Hansi Flick has held frank discussions with members of his Barcelona squad following back-to-back defeats, as they look to get their season back on track against Levante.
Barca welcome Luis Castro's side to Camp Nou on Sunday, having lost control of the title race in LaLiga after a 2-1 defeat at Girona on Monday.
That loss came off the back of a comprehensive 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie four days earlier.
Those results have led to heavy criticism of Flick and heightened the possibility of the Blaugrana ending his second season in charge with only the Supercopa de Espana to show for their efforts.
Asked about how his players had responded to their poor results at Saturday's pre-match press conference, Flick said: "The group is convinced of the work we are doing.
"It is not a simple situation, but communication is essential. We have been very clear and honest with each other. I ask them questions, it's my way of managing the team.
"We need leaders in the dressing room and for that, it is key to speak to them at the same level.
"After that, the decisions are mine. I want the players to take responsibility and they are doing that."
All four of Barca's defeats in LaLiga this season have come on the road, and they remain one of five teams yet to lose a home match in Europe's top five leagues this season, alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Napoli and Borussia Dortmund.
The Blaugrana had two extra days off in the build-up to Sunday's game, and Flick hopes that added recovery time will yield results.
"After the two defeats and without having shown our best level, I think the two days off have been good for us, the players look fresher," Flick said.
"We play at home and we need to win to regain confidence. It's normal that when you lose and don't perform as you expect, doubts arise, but we've been very honest and open with each other, and that's fundamental for what's to come.
"We must play true to our idea: with mentality, good positioning and, above all, with hunger. I want to see that in the team."
Levante are 19th in LaLiga, seven points adrift of safety, after a 1-0 defeat to Villarreal in midweek – their third loss in a row after drawing 0-0 with Atletico on January 31.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Barcelona – Ferran Torres
Torres, who has just reached 200 appearances in LaLiga (129 with Barcelona and 71 with Valencia) is enjoying his most prolific season in the competition, with 12 goals in 22 games.
The former Manchester City man has been involved in three goals in his last four games against Levante in LaLiga (two goals and one assist).
Levante – Etta Eyong
Three of Levante's last four goals in LaLiga have been scored by defenders. Only Espanyol (28%) and Osasuna (24%) defenders have contributed a higher percentage of their team's total goals in the competition than Levante's (23%).
Striker Eyong leads Levante's scoring charts in LaLiga this season, netting five times, though his last goal in the competition came against Mallorca in October.
If they are to have any chance of survival, they may need him to end his 12-game goal drought soon.
doubmnrtu
0
Clearly Flick is Barca's problem. He should stop the semantics and face the reality before that obnoxious game plan condemns the team to oblivion. In fact his stubborn behavior of sticking to the high pressing game plan is the bane of the team. The Barca board has to sit with him and if he insists on that game plan he should be made to step aside........period.
For which coach to take over ?? Give the Lad some respect and credit for being to use this squad to win titles cuz our other competitors have signed so many players to cover up for all positions.
Necbknrsz
2
usman
Zinbdlntuz
0
Clearly Flick is Barca's problem. He should stop the semantics and face the reality before that obnoxious game plan condemns the team to oblivion. In fact his stubborn behavior of sticking to the high pressing game plan is the bane of the team. The Barca board has to sit with him and if he insists on that game plan he should be made to step aside........period.
Mumu
MUTAPE10
3
Flick should be man enough and take the blame for tactical failures. He is exposing the players only to blame them, no. A team has to be solid, always, and effective as much as it can, not to be so weak and spineless as long as we dont have Pedri and Rapha.
Veccemost
0
I think the present problem of Barca is the players. They look so dull in the field playing like amatures. They register inaccurate passes and always poor markings in most of their matches. The current tactics in footballing doesn't require slow movements. Players need to be fast and sharp all the time in the pitch and this is what present Barca players are lacking.
Cupabceipt
0
Clearly Flick is Barca's problem. He should stop the semantics and face the reality before that obnoxious game plan condemns the team to oblivion. In fact his stubborn behavior of sticking to the high pressing game plan is the bane of the team. The Barca board has to sit with him and if he insists on that game plan he should be made to step aside........period.
you guys are all stupid for writing such nonsense
deocdknrst
2
Ask real Madrid
/MADRIDISTA
0
why always Vinicius......? That's the question we should be asking.
You and sense🫲🫱
Vobbcimnrz
1
Clearly Flick is Barca's problem. He should stop the semantics and face the reality before that obnoxious game plan condemns the team to oblivion. In fact his stubborn behavior of sticking to the high pressing game plan is the bane of the team. The Barca board has to sit with him and if he insists on that game plan he should be made to step aside........period.
The same game plan that gave them the league last season!?? Just shut up man. Barca are missing key and important players that make their system work.
Ybnl-mafia22447
0
why always Vinicius......? That's the question we should be asking.
Are you Mad 😠 can’t you read
Vobbcimnrz
0
why always Vinicius......? That's the question we should be asking.
Attention seeker, how does the post relate to Vinicius? No go find work if you no get 😒
viwbelptuy
2
Clearly Flick is Barca's problem. He should stop the semantics and face the reality before that obnoxious game plan condemns the team to oblivion. In fact his stubborn behavior of sticking to the high pressing game plan is the bane of the team. The Barca board has to sit with him and if he insists on that game plan he should be made to step aside........period.
viwbelptuy
2
why always Vinicius......? That's the question we should be asking.