Flick also admitted that his players did not play at their best during the league fixture against their arch-rivals.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has explained why his team suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of visiting Real Madrid on Sunday, blaming the loss on fatigue.
The German tactician made this known on Sunday night during his post-match press conference following his team’s narrow loss to their arch-rivals at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona tasted defeat for the first time this season in the league during the first leg of this season’s El Clásico.
Madrid took the lead after the ball deflected in via Kylian Mbappé in the 41st minute.
Although Raphinha equalised for the La Liga champions, Mbappé scored his second goal with three minutes left to help Jose Mourinho’s side secure a vital win.
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Speaking after the defeat, Flick admitted that the Barça players did not play at their best during the encounter.
He went on to add that the team was tired after playing four matches in 12 days.
”We were not playing at the highest level because of the lack of freshness,” Flick said.
He added: “It’s not ideal for us, but we have to accept it; defeat is part of the game. It’s our first defeat in 10 games. We have a whole week before the next game to prepare and disconnect.”
