Can FC Barcelona regain lost glory under Hansi Flick?

FC Barcelona parted ways with club legend and former men’s first team manager Xavi Hernández at the end of last season after the team failed to win any of the major trophies. On top of that, their bitter rivals Real Madrid CF had a near-perfect season as they won LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League.

The Blaugrana had a tough task on their hands in the summer as they looked for a new manager who needed to bring success while playing entertaining football. To the surprise of many, they decided to hire the services of Hansi Flick, the same guy who as manager of the FC Bayern Munich men’s team had handed them an 8-2 defeat four years ago. Many Culers were doubtful at the appointment, but so far the decision has turned out to be a stroke of genius from the much-maligned Barça management.

So far, Barça have been a complete contrast to last season. They are putting teams to the sword, annihilating and decimating anyone coming in their way. Their stats make for an interesting viewing as they are leading on all important metrics in both attack and defence.

Barça are currently top of the league and have won their last three games in the Champions League after losing the first one. They have won 14 out of the 16 games so far this season across all competitions, having lost just two with no draws. They have scored a mammoth 56 goals across all competitions already, averaging 3.5 goals per game. They’e not depending on just one or two individuals for goals, for the goals are coming from all quarters. Special mention needs to be given to the front three of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal, all of whom have been in smashing form and form the most threatening forward line in Europe with 26 goals and 15 assists among themselves.

Their defence has been praiseworthy as well despite injury concerns, as they have been averaging around one goal conceded per game. Their offside trap with a high defensive line has worked brilliantly so far, having caught the opposition in an offside position more than 60 times already.

It’s not just the numbers. Barça have clearly been the most entertaining team to watch this season. Flick has not only rejuvenated this young and talented team, he has also instilled in them a lot of confidence going forward while executing the offside trap to near perfection. He has moved the team slightly away from the traditional tiki-taka possession-based football with a lot more emphasis on chance creation in the final third. Barça still play short passes, of course, but they can also go forward with a long pass, the quality of their players allowing them to play this risky-yet-rewarding brand of football.

Another notable feature of Flick’s coaching has been his handling of the young players with aplomb and finesse. Players like Pau Cubarsí, Fermín López, and Marc Casadó are thriving under his tutelage. The winning mentality has come through on several occasions, and it was on display again when they beat Bayern Munich and Real Madrid comprehensively in a span of three days. 

It’s still early days, of course, and injuries have the potential to derail their momentum as they’re short on squad depth. However, if they manage to keep their key players fit this season, Barça may very well be on course to win major honours and have a memorable campaign.