‘It’s a Joke’ – Hansi Flick on the War Path in Ongoing Barcelona Feud

Hansi Flick Slams La Liga Over Brutal Scheduling as Barcelona Struggle to Keep Pace

Barcelona may still be in the running for multiple titles this season, but if you ask Hansi Flick, it’s not just their opponents they’re battling. According to the German head coach, La Liga’s scheduling is doing more harm than good, putting unnecessary strain on players and sabotaging the clubs it should be supporting.

Tuesday night saw Barcelona’s unbeaten start to 2025 finally snapped, with a shocking 2-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. While the aggregate result still favoured the Catalans, the performance raised eyebrows — and for Hansi Flick, the root of the issue lies far from the pitch.

“It’s a joke,” Hansi Flick said flatly during Friday’s press conference, his frustration barely concealed. “Every league protects their teams, especially those in the semi-finals of the Champions League. But not here. Not in Spain.”

A Record-Breaking Grind: Seven Games in 457 Hours

Barcelona have played seven matches in just 457 hours, or 19 days, a relentless run that has not only worn out the squad physically but has clearly taken its toll mentally. Hansi Flick didn’t mince words when describing the effect of the schedule on his players:

“We got back from Germany at 5 a.m. after Dortmund, and now we’re expected to turn around and play again on Saturday at 4:30 in the afternoon.”

For perspective, Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 fixture was postponed entirely to allow them extra rest before their Champions League semi-final second leg. In England, Premier League teams often benefit from later weekend kick-offs following midweek European fixtures. Yet in Spain, Hansi Flick claims, these considerations are nowhere to be found.

Hansi Flick’s side are well placed to win a quadruple in his debut campaign / INA FASSBENDER/GettyImages

A Furious Hansi Flick Demands Answers

“I’m not making excuses. I just want to know: why 4:30 p.m.? Why not 6? Why not Sunday? Give me one reason,” he asked the room, visibly exasperated. “I’m happy we’re not playing Sunday at 2 p.m. against Valladolid, but come on.”

The crux of Flick’s argument is a matter of fairness and competitiveness. In his view, La Liga is failing its own clubs on the continental stage by not affording them the same kind of logistical support their European rivals receive.

“In the Bundesliga, in the Premier League, they take care of their clubs. Here? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. And they wonder why Spanish teams struggle.”

The Human Cost of Poor Planning

One point Hansi Flick was keen to hammer home was the impact on his players. Late arrivals, minimal recovery time, endless travel — it’s not just about tired legs, it’s about injury risk, mental fatigue, and long-term performance.

“They [La Liga organizers] have no idea what it means to get to bed at 5 a.m., then have a training session the next day, then play a high-intensity match the day after that. It’s not sustainable.”

His anger wasn’t performative, and for those who know Hansi Flick’s typically composed nature, the tone shift was striking. But with Barcelona still active in three competitions — La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League — the pressure cooker doesn’t show any signs of cooling off.

Nine Games, 29 Days: No Rest in Sight

Barcelona’s packed calendar continues to raise concerns. After the Dortmund clash and upcoming match against Celta Vigo, they’ll play nine matches in the next 29 days, a figure that is, frankly, staggering.

These are not just matches; they’re high-stakes fixtures. Every point matters in a neck-and-neck title race with Real Madrid. Every goal is crucial in knockout competitions. Every slip-up could derail what has otherwise been a highly promising campaign.

Flick’s Frustration Reflects a Bigger Issue

While Hansi Flick’s words may seem pointed, he isn’t the first Barcelona coach to clash with the Spanish league’s scheduling. Past managers, from Xavi to Ernesto Valverde, have all raised similar grievances. The difference? Hansi Flick is saying it louder and more directly.

There is a broader conversation here about how leagues support their top clubs in continental competitions. In Germany and France, there’s a degree of cooperation between the leagues and their elite teams. In Spain, that cooperation feels absent. It’s not just bad for the clubs — it’s bad for the league’s global competitiveness.

The Bigger Picture: Still in the Fight

Despite these frustrations, it’s worth noting that Barcelona are still in a strong position. They sit just behind Real Madrid in the La Liga standings, remain alive in the Copa del Rey, and have reached the Champions League semi-finals. Hansi Flick has built a team that is adaptable, mentally tough, and capable of grinding out results even in less-than-ideal circumstances.

But even the strongest teams have their limits. The margin for error is razor thin, and if players begin to burn out, that competitive edge could disappear in an instant.

Final Thoughts: “A Joke” That No One’s Laughing At

When Hansi Flick calls the current situation a “joke,” it’s not out of disrespect. It’s a warning. A call for change. A coach who understands the pressures of elite football demanding that those in charge do better.

Whether or not La Liga listens is another story. But one thing is clear: Barcelona are fighting more than just opponents on the pitch. They’re fighting the system off it.

And if things don’t change soon, it might not just be Hansi Flick losing patience — it could be Spanish football losing its place at Europe’s top table.