Newly appointed Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said he respects the club’s traditional tiki-taka passing style but emphasized his desire to incorporate a more direct approach focused on scoring. Barcelona announced the former Germany and Bayern Munich manager as head coach on a two-year contract in May, following the sacking of Xavi Hernandez. Flick’s mandate is to revive the club’s fortunes after a trophy-less season. The appointment of the German coach marks a significant shift towards attacking fluidity, rapid progression, and remarkable energy exertion when out of possession. Barcelona fans should eagerly anticipate this change, as the team had become somewhat static and uninspiring under Xavi’s tenure.
In an interview with Barca ONE released on Monday, Flick stated, “Here the tradition is to play with passing, but I also want them to go straight to the goal. They should focus a bit more on scoring. I don’t think my style has any major changes. I’m looking for the same thing, to press high up, and to play in the opponent’s midfield. But, at the end of the day, everything is about winning games.”
Barcelona has begun pre-season training, with many young players joining the first team due to the absence of several stars on international duty. Flick expressed his satisfaction with the team’s progress and the work done with young players at La Masia. Flick, in his first in-depth interview with the club’s media, discussed his early days in pre-season training and outlined his priorities. He has been particularly impressed with the young talent at La Masia, many of whom have been training with the senior squad.
The coach described the passion for Barça he has sensed since his arrival, emphasizing the importance of fitness. On a personal note, he revealed the exact moment he decided he wanted to manage FC Barcelona one day. Teenagers Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi established themselves as regulars in the starting XI last season, and several other young players are pushing for spots in the first team. Marc Casado and Mikayil Faye are among those tipped to make significant impacts as Barcelona begins its new era under Flick.
Barcelona will face Manchester City in Florida on July 30 before starting its league campaign at Valencia on August 17.