Barcelona closes ranks: the dressing room's pact

Barcelona's squad held a team barbecue at the training ground to rebuild unity after defeats to PSG and Real Madrid, with captain Raphinha and Rodri leading the initiative.

Barcelona held a team gathering at the Ciutat Espotiva Joan Gamper after recent defeats to PSG in the Champions League and Real Madrid in La Liga. The barbecue, lasting around 90 minutes, was initiated by the squad's captains, led by Raphinha and midfielder Rodri, who decided to keep the group at the club's facilities rather than disperse.

Manager Hansi Flick and his coaching staff attended the informal meal, which the club described as an opportunity to process the setbacks together and reinforce the squad's unity. "It's not about erasing what happened, but about assuming it together," the club told media. The gathering came after a morning training session preparing for the upcoming match against Alavés on October 31.

Barcelona face three consecutive fixtures before the next international break: Alavés at home on October 31, Aston Villa on November 3, and Atlético Madrid on November 8. With Atlético just two points behind and Real Madrid three points back in La Liga, Flick will need to manage defensive injuries affecting Eric García, Christensen and Koundé while maintaining the team's title challenge.