Hansi Flick criticizes the schedule in Spain: 'In other leagues, it's different'

Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s head coach, has voiced strong criticism of LaLiga’s scheduling as his team prepares to face Osasuna in a rescheduled match on Thursday, March 27, at 20:00 local time.

The fixture, which was originally postponed, now comes just days after the international break and Flick is not happy about the timing.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, the German manager didn't hold back in highlighting the challenges posed by the current calendar. His main frustration centers around the fact that many of his key players have only just returned from international duty, some of them flying back from South America with minimal time to rest, recover, and rejoin training.

“We're in a situation where all the players have just returned from international duty it's not ideal,” Flick said. “Now we have to face Osasuna, and you have to ask yourself whether tomorrow is really the best time to play.”

Flick emphasized that in other top leagues, greater care is taken to ensure clubs aren’t placed in such tight turnarounds. “In other leagues, things are different,” he stated. “It’s about protecting your team. I can’t change it it’s not up to me. This is just my personal opinion.”

He also took aim at the scheduling of another match a league trip to Leganés in April, scheduled for a 21:00 kick-off. Flick questioned the logic of such a late game, especially given the travel involved. “When we play away at 21:00, we get back very late. That’s not good either. We’re not happy with this situation,” he said. “It’s not about complaining it’s about raising awareness. We want our players to be at their best, and that’s hard when they’re constantly being pushed to the limit.”

One of the biggest blows ahead of the Osasuna clash is the unavailability of Raphinha and Ronald Araújo, both of whom represented their countries during the international break. The Brazilian winger and Uruguayan defender faced long-haul flights back from South America, which made it impossible for them to be match-ready in time. Flick acknowledged their absence would be felt but doubled down on the need to focus on solutions.

“It’s really just about timing,” he added. “After the break, we decided the players would get two days off. They’ve recovered well and adapt quickly to these situations. Today was the first training session with almost everyone back, and it is what it is. It’s not the best situation, but they’re professionals and we’re an incredible team.”

Flick stressed that the squad will approach the Osasuna match with full focus and without excuses, regardless of the circumstances. “We have to get the most out of our players,” he said. “We can beat any opponent, even if some players aren’t at their peak.”

Beyond scheduling, Flick was asked about broader player welfare concerns specifically the topic of removing extra time from matches, an idea reportedly floated in recent discussions involving UEFA in relation to the Champions League. Flick appeared open to the idea, especially when it comes to international matches, where players are often already fatigued from congested club calendars.

“Thirty fewer minutes wouldn’t be a bad thing,” he commented. “Usually, the best players are involved in these teams and already have a packed schedule. It’s something to consider, but it’s not in my hands. That decision lies with FIFA or UEFA.”

His comments echo growing concerns across European football about the increasingly intense physical and mental demands placed on elite players. With seasons now packed with domestic, continental, and international fixtures, the calls for better scheduling and calendar reform are getting louder and Flick has added his voice to that chorus.

The stakes are high for Barcelona. The club is currently tied with Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga, with both teams sitting on 60 points. However, Barcelona has a game in hand, making the Osasuna fixture a golden opportunity to edge ahead in the title race. Osasuna, on the other hand, occupies 14th place with 33 points and will be looking to spoil Barça’s momentum.

For Flick, the focus remains on results, but he’s clearly frustrated by the obstacles being placed in the team’s path. From player fatigue to late-night returns, the margin for error is slim and the calendar, he says, isn’t helping.

Still, as he reiterated multiple times, there will be no excuses. “We’ll play. We’ll compete. And we’ll do everything to win,” Flick concluded.