Barcelona held a meeting involving the squad and staff at the Joan Gamper sports city on Wednesday after back-to-back defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. The club now face matches against Alaves, Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid on 31 October, 3 November and 8 November.
Defeats before the meeting
Barcelona lost 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League and then lost 2-1 to Real Madrid at the Camp Nou in La Liga. A meeting between the Catalan players, Flick and his entire staff then took place on Wednesday.
Where it was held and why
GOAL, citing Mundo Deportivo, said the meeting was held at the private Joan Gamper sports city after a photo session for a promotional event. GOAL, citing Mundo Deportivo, said Barcelona used the gathering to re-establish communication, strengthen the bonds between squad members and consolidate their unity for the challenge ahead.
A source inside the Catalan club explained to the newspaper: "It is not about erasing what happened, but about coming to terms with it together"
Barbecue plan and club response
GOAL, citing Mundo Deportivo, said the barbecue idea came from "the two captains, chief among them Raphinha and Rodri", who agreed to stay at the club's facilities after the morning session ahead of the Alaves match. The club declined to clarify whether the barbecue had been planned in advance or sprang from the double disappointment.
Upcoming fixtures and squad status
Barcelona host Alaves at the Camp Nou on 31 October at 9:00 pm. Barcelona then host Aston Villa on 3 November at the same time. Barcelona then travel to the Wanda Metropolitano to face Atletico Madrid on 8 November at 9:00 pm.
Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen are still recovering, and Jules Kounde is racing to return in time. Atletico Madrid sit two points behind Barcelona, and Real Madrid have cut the gap to three.