Barcelona and its key elements after the first month of Hansi Flick

On July 10, Barcelona returned to training with Hansi Flick at the helm. The coach had signed his contract at the end of May.

A month after the start of training, the first conclusions can already be drawn about the German coach's plan for the new season in which the pressure is really on.

Physical demands

One of the main problems last season, as Joan Laporta acknowledged, was the team's physical preparation. Flick has been very firm on this aspect and the players have already experienced the great physical load in the sessions.

"We work in a totally different way to how they did before. Especially the physical part. For me it's crucial, it's every step. Physical fitness is the base. You need it," he said upon his arrival. And this statement of intent has carried over to the turf.

Flick does not spare a single workout. The German coach wants to load the tanks of his players to the maximum this summer and gives no respite.

In fact, on the day they returned from the US tour, the team held a recovery session.

Critical discourse

Although the team has won two of the three matches on the U.S. tour, and lost on penalties to AC Milan, Flick has always emphasized in his analyses the areas for improvement in the squad.

"We want the team to play from the first to the last second of the game and we are on the right track," he said after the last match.

Excited about the youngsters

If there is a very positive note during this preseason, it is the players coming from the reserve or youth teams.

From the first minute, the coach highlighted the quality of the young players and they have responded in the friendly matches. Above all, Marc Bernal, Marc Casado and Pau Victor have stood out. It would not be strange if some of them are in Valencia for the season opener.

Faithful to the 4-2-3-1 and direct play

Hansi Flick arrived with the idea of 4-2-3-1, which he had developed at Bayern Munich and in the national team. And now he is implementing it at Barcelona.

In addition, he wants to press high and play in the opponent's half of the field. During the friendlies, a more vertical team has been seen.

Full confidence in Lewandowski

The German coach has had some long and intense conversations with the Polish striker during the preseason.

Flick wants to bring back the best version of the striker, who scored two goals against Milan.