The reason behind Barcelona’s drop in fitness levels and intensity this season – report | OneFootball

Just before last weekend’s El Clasico, concerns surrounding Barcelona’s physical condition had already begun to surface. 

One of the club’s biggest weaknesses this season has been their inability to cover ground effectively, something that was once a defining strength under Hansi Flick’s high-pressing philosophy.

As reported earlier, Barcelona have dropped dramatically in this metric. 

Before the match against Real Madrid, the team ranked 15th in La Liga for distance covered, averaging just 113.4 kilometres per match. 

That figure is nearly four kilometres less than last season’s average and even below the current La Liga mean of 115 kilometres per game. 

For a club that prided itself on intensity and energy, these numbers are alarming.

What is happening?

Speaking to ARA, a source within the club acknowledged the growing concern, admitting, 

“This is now the toughest time; if they don’t manage to hold on, the season will end very early.” 

It is a sentiment that perfectly captures the internal mood as Barcelona’s physical drop-off has become a major talking point at the training ground.

The reasons behind this decline appear multifaceted. 

There is an evident lack of intensity. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

To begin with, it ranges from physical fatigue, a less demanding pre-season, and a long list of injuries. In fact, it is said that training sessions have reportedly lost their edge. 

Flick is said to be rebuilding the squad’s strength and speed from scratch, fully aware that without restoring physical intensity, Barcelona cannot regain their identity or compete with the likes of Real Madrid and Atletico.

Change is necessary

Last summer’s fitness regime was notably lighter compared to 2024, when it was led by fitness specialist Julio Tous, whose demanding sessions pushed players to their limits. 

This time around, heavy-weight sessions were replaced with resistance bands and Swiss ball workouts, in an effort to reduce fatigue and prevent injuries. 

Ironically, the outcome has been the opposite, as the team has lost physical power and still suffered a wave of injuries.

After enduring three defeats recently, Flick has decided to prioritise rebuilding physical preparation. 

The goal is to help the players recover their intensity, aggression, and confidence with and without the ball.

The staff is now searching for a new balance, one that compensates for the physical toll of last year’s gruelling campaign while restoring the energy.