Barcelona boss Hansi Flick admits his side are not showing the same levels as last season’s title-winning campaign.
Barca have lost two out of their last four matches in LaLiga and are five points behind leaders Real Madrid heading into their clash at Celta Vigo on Sunday.
Barcelona came from behind three times in midweek as they drew 3-3 with Club Brugge as they failed to win for a second time in that competition from their opening four games.
Flick admits his side were on a different level last season, but hopes they can improve.
He said: “Last season was different. We played at a different level. We’ve already talked about the game against Brugge and everyone knows exactly what we want to see on the pitch.
“The players know it. And what they have to do is show it on the pitch. Things have to be reflected on the pitch.
“In Bruges we saw that our defensive line sometimes drops too deep. The forwards are further away than they should be and we need to be more connected, with and without the ball.
“We’ve talked about it, and I hope we can improve.”
Celta Vigo have improved after a poor start and have won each of their last five games in all competitions, including their last three in the league.
Flick acknowledged their good form and claims they are in a “better situation” than his side.
✅ The last training session before #CeltaBarça pic.twitter.com/vAIjpFxjnM
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 8, 2025
He added: “Celta is in a very good rhythm at the moment. They have won the last four matches.
“They are probably in a better situation than we are. But it always has to do with attitude, with mentality. And that’s what we’ve been talking about.
“We want to win there because it’s important for us, because we want to go into this break with three more points.”
Flick has confirmed that Jules Kounde is a doubt but fellow defender Eric Garcia is available despite suffering a broken nose against Brugge.
Flick said: “Eric can play, he’s fine. With a mask, of course.
“Jules? He hasn’t finished training and I have doubts that he will be in the squad. I don’t think he will travel, but we have one more day. We are going to wait and see.”
