Club football is back after a long international break that featured both the Euros and Copa América. Barcelona go into the new season with a point to prove after going trophyless last season. New manager Hansi Flick has a huge task ahead of him. We take a look at some of the questions to be answered in preseason.
La Masia
La Masia, a renowned youth academy, has consistently produced top players, making it easier for the club to navigate the transfer window. One of the recent talents to emerge from the academy is Lamine Yamal. However, there are numerous other talented players that Flick has his eyes on, including Toni Fernández, Guille Fernández, Marc Bernal and José Manuel Casado, all of whom have been the subject of discussion in the media.
The defensive midfielder position has been a concern for Barcelona since the departure of Sergio Busquets. In his absence, the team committed defensive errors in their own half and conceded several goals as a result. Due to financial constraints and the board’s emphasis on acquiring Nico Williams, Flick may need to consider homegrown players to cover this spot. The upcoming pre-season presents an ideal opportunity to assess Guille, Bernal and especially Casado, who is coming off a strong season with Barcelona Atlètic.
In addition to talents from La Masia, there are other youth prospects, such as Noah Darvich and Mikayil Faye from Barcelona Atlètic, along with Julian Araujo, who impressed during a loan spell at Las Palmas. They will all be vying to impress Flick and secure a spot in the first team. Flick has garnered praise from fans by highlighting the significance of La Masia in his vision for managing the club. Even though Yamal, Gavi, and Cubarsi may not participate in the pre-season tour, the manager has a wealth of young players to assess.
Physicality
After Flick’s Bayern Munich famously demolished Barcelona in the Champions League, one of the key points of discussion was how much stronger and more physically dominant Bayern appeared compared to Barcelona, who seemed disorganized and incapable of matching the opposition’s intensity. The sport is constantly evolving, and Barcelona’s struggles in Europe have highlighted the shortcomings of some of the team’s players.
During his time at Barcelona, Sergio Agüero was surprised to find that none of the players arrived at the gym early, which was a common practice at Manchester City. Flick’s predecessor Xavi attempted to initiate changes. Now, the German, whose Bayern team were renowned for their high physical levels, could be a blessing in disguise for the Barcelona players.
Injuries to players and their absence in important games have been a recurring issue for the Catalan side, with Pedri and Frenkie De Jong being among the players frequently getting sidelined. To curtail this, there have already been some major changes in the medical team, as the club look to improve player wellness.
The crucial role that players like Pedri and De Jong hold requires special attention, and their injuries disrupt any momentum built while they are fit. It remains to be seen how these players will do during preseason and how well they have responded to Flick’s training regimen. Alejandro Balde is also returning after a prolonged injury, and with high expectations surrounding him, it’s a big question as to how he will perform in a search for his old form.
Tactics: Understanding Roles
Preseason will provide important insights about Flick’s plans for his team. Will he opt for a system with a double pivot or a lone pivot? How will he utilize players like Robert Lewandowski and Jules Koundé? These questions will be put to the test in friendly matches against Manchester City, Real Madrid, AC Milan on American soil, as well as in the Joan Gamper Trophy, providing an outlook on Flick’s strategy.
Flick’s tactical use of fullbacks and wingers in Munich has been phenomenal, with players like Alphonso Davies and Serge Gnabry flourishing under his guidance. Barcelona’s young talents, Balde and Yamal, have great potential, and Flick’s appointment may help them improve.
What’s more, the club is reportedly pursuing Nico Williams, with rumors suggesting that they have presented a contract and are prepared to activate his release clause. The Euros showcased Spain’s strong wing combination in the form of Yamal and Williams, known for their skill and ability to take on defenders. If the Blaugrana secure Williams, it could elevate their forward line to new heights.
The performance of Raphinha under Flick remains to be seen, especially as he differs from Yamal in style. The Brazilian’s Champions League performances on the left wing were impressive, and his defensive contributions should not be overlooked.
If Flick opts for a double pivot, we might see Ilkay Gundogan in an advanced role to capitalize on his goal-scoring abilities. A successful stint for Gundogan in an advanced role could lead to a shift in Pedri’s position, with the Spaniard playing deeper. Flick is still exploring solutions for the defensive midfield conundrum.
Main Image: “FC Barcelona Pitch” by der sportmanager via Flickr