A look at how Barcelona have fared under Hansi Flick after international breaks

Barcelona return to La Liga on October 10 with Hansi Flick facing several selection calls against Getafe, but fortunately, history suggests the German has little reason to worry about his team’s response after an international break.

Since Flick took charge of Barcelona in 2024, the club has played eight matches immediately after international breaks, winning seven and drawing one. 

Even more encouragingly, every one of those matches played at home ended in victory.

That record provides an important backdrop as Barça prepare to resume competitive action after an unusually long three-week break.

Barcelona’s record after international breaks under Hansi Flick

Flick’s first season produced three wins and one draw from four post-break fixtures.

Barcelona beat Girona 4-1 at Montilivi in September 2024, followed that with a 5-1 victory over Sevilla at home and then drew 2-2 away against Celta Vigo. 

Their March 2025 return brought another comfortable result, which was a 3-0 home win over Osasuna.

The following campaign was even more convincing. Barça began their post-break fixtures with a 6-0 demolition of Valencia at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, before beating Girona 2-1 at Montjuic.

They then produced another statement victory, defeating Athletic Club 4-0 at home, while their final post-international-break fixture of the period ended with a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid away from home.

Four matches, four wins.

Barcelona team news: Flick faces fresh selection dilemmas

The impressive record does not mean Flick has a simple task this time.

The three-week international break has left several players with significant workloads, while Raphinha remains a doubt after returning from Brazil with an issue that requires caution.

Notably, Flick has historically been reluctant to rest his most important internationals simply because they have played heavily for their countries. 

Unless fitness concerns intervene, the German has generally trusted his key players immediately after international duty.

On that note, the likes of Pau Cubarsi, Jules Kounde, Lamine Yamal and Pedri have featured in at least seven of Barcelona’s previous eight post-break matches.

Flick’s biggest test could come after the long break

Barcelona’s record suggests that returning from international duty has rarely disrupted Flick’s side. 

The players have consistently rediscovered their rhythm quickly, even when arriving back in different physical conditions.

This break has been longer than usual, though, meaning Flick needs to carefully balance continuity with freshness, and Getafe will provide the first test of whether that approach still works. 

The numbers from the past two seasons offer plenty of encouragement, but the decisions Flick makes over the next two training sessions could determine whether Barcelona extend their remarkable run.