When will Barcelona players resume training after mid-season Christmas break? | Barca Universal

"Barcelona's Christmas plans will be far from relaxing this year, as a report from AS reveals that the squad will receive only a single week of vacation during the festive period. With a demanding fixture list awaiting them immediately after New Year's, Hansi Flick has opted for a strict training schedule to ensure his team remains sharp after the festivities. According to the report, the players will begin their brief holiday once they return from the trip to Villarreal on 21 December."

"From that moment, they will have exactly one week off, with no training scheduled until Monday, 29 December. That short window will be the only chance for the squad to spend uninterrupted time with their families over Christmas."

"Once the team reconvenes on the 29th, the rhythm intensifies quickly. Flick has prepared a near-daily training schedule to prepare for the derby against Espanyol on 3 January. Even major holidays offer no exception, as the agenda includes a morning session on 31 December and an afternoon session on 1 January."

"The demanding programme is a direct consequence of what awaits Barcelona at the start of 2026, when the calendar becomes exceptionally congested. January will see the club competing across four different competitions. Apart from La Liga and the Copa del Rey, Barça will see the return of the Champions League, where Barcelona are scheduled to play two high-stakes matches against Slavia Prague and Copenhagen. On top of that, the Spanish Super Cup kicks off on 7 January, beginning with the semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao and potentially leading to a final against either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid."

The squad will begin a one-week holiday after returning from Villarreal on 21 December, with no training until Monday, 29 December. Hansi Flick has implemented a strict training plan to maintain sharpness during the short break. Training resumes on 29 December with near-daily sessions, including a morning on 31 December and an afternoon on 1 January, to prepare for the derby against Espanyol on 3 January. January features a congested calendar: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Champions League return with matches against Slavia Prague and Copenhagen, and the Spanish Super Cup beginning 7 January.

Read at Barca Universal