Flick has two big concerns to resolve as Barcelona enter a decisive stretch

With the international break now behind us, Barcelona are preparing for one of the most demanding stretches of the season.

Most of the squad will start reporting to training, except for some. From today, Hansi Flick will have almost his full squad at his disposal as the team gears up for Sunday’s clash with Valencia

This will be followed by six more games in quick succession before the next international break.

The start of the league campaign has not gone entirely to plan. Despite enjoying one of the most complete pre-seasons, Barcelona dropped valuable points against Rayo Vallecano.

That performance, away from home, raised concerns about the team’s sharpness and consistency.

Flick has been open in both the dressing room and the press room, highlighting the areas that need improvement if Barcelona are to rediscover their best form.

Flick needs to work on some issues. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

One of the biggest issues for Flick is establishing his most reliable centre-back pairing. Pau Cubarsi has already cemented his place, but his defensive partner is still undecided.

On top of this, the team has looked shaky in transitions and has lost some of the precision in its offside control, a strength from last season.

Sloppy turnovers in midfield and a lack of assists, something that rarely went missing last year, have also slowed down the team’s attacking play.

Flick must now find quick solutions as the schedule intensifies.

The next seven matches include Valencia at home ( likely at Estadi Johan Cruyff ), Newcastle away, Getafe at home, Oviedo away, Real Sociedad at home, PSG at home, and Sevilla away.

It is a gruelling run, with two Champions League battles and crucial La Liga fixtures that could shape the early narrative of the season.

Meanwhile, most of the squad will reunite today at Ciutat Esportiva, though Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Marcus Rashford, and Roony Bardghji will arrive later after completing their international duties.