Less than a year after suffering the humiliation of becoming the first Germany head coach to be sacked, Hansi Flick has restored his reputation at Barcelona and turned a fractured squad into one of Europe’s most exciting teams.
A Marriage Waiting To Happen?
When Ronald Koeman was sacked in October during the 2021/22 season, Barcelona president Joan Laporta approached Flick first, however, the 60-year-old had already given the nod for the German national team head coach role and respectfully declined Laporta’s approaches.
However, Germany’s disastrous 2022 World Cup in Qatar was a hit to the reputation of a coach who had previously had so much success at club level with Bayern Munich. Flick’s squad selection drew criticism, and his previously successful pressing game didn’t translate at the international level.
He was fired after a loss to Japan at home in September 2023 and for a coach who once won the sextuple with Bayern Munich, it was a dramatic fall.
Barcelona, too, weren’t exactly lighting up La Liga and European football before the German’s arrival. The Catalan club had gone trophyless in two of their last three seasons, only winning the La Liga title in between in 2022/23.
While club legend Xavi Hernández honoured the Barcelona philosophy and played in a certain Catalan style, there were far too many structural defects in his philosophy which resulted in two Champions League group stage eliminations as well as frequent defeats at the hands of team much smaller than them in stature – those predominantly using low-blocks.
Thus, it was only fair for Joan Laporta to come calling for the man he first wanted to come aboard when he undertook this youth-led Barcelona reform under the club’s current financial situation.
Out-of-work and his reputation somewhat tainted because of that disastrous international stint, Hansi Flick came aboard the fractured Barcelona ship and within a season has showcased his managerial expertise with the Catalan club now on the brink of completing a treble this season.
How has he changed Barcelona?
Flick’s Barcelona presses higher and harder than under his predecessor Xavi, carrying forward his style of play from his time at Bayern. Under Flick, players have clear roles and play faster, simpler football – without losing individual flair. He has successfully managed to merge Barcelona’s traditional strengths (technical midfield play) with German football principles (pace, verticality, and physical dominance).
This has overwhelmed many opponents as the high-pressing, quick-transition approach complements the club’s DNA while adding much-needed intensity and verticality.
The German’s 4-2-3-1 system allows fluid transitions between attack and defense, optimising both the creative and defensive facets of the game. The biggest evidence of this change is Barcelona’s usual midfield under Flick. By pairing Frenkie de Jong with Gavi and Pedri in a double pivot, he has ensured defensive stability without compromising creativity.
Moreover, the German’s Bayern Munich roots are evident in Barca’s pressing structure. The team now regains possession high up the pitch, unsettling opponents and creating quick scoring opportunities.
A Tactical Overhaul
The new system employed by Flick contrasts starkly with Barcelona’s traditional 4-3-3, particularly in terms of positional play and defensive structure.
The 4-2-3-1 system emphasises a double-pivot in midfield, providing defensive stability and transitional support. This enables the team to control counters more effectively than Barcelona’s traditional single-pivot 4-3-3.
Flick’s system is also more direct, focusing on breaking lines quickly through vertical passes or fast wingers. This differs from Barcelona’s previous slower, possession-based buildup. Moreover, he often deploys an aggressive, coordinated press that forces errors in advanced areas, leading to high turnovers.
Thus, it’s safe to say that the German’s 4-2-3-1 provides greater defensive security and quick transitional play, whereas Barcelona’s 4-3-3 is more suited for controlling possession and exploiting spaces, as a result, struggled against compact, low-block defenses, although Flick’s 4-2-3-1 can also become predictable when over-reliant on verticality.
Maximising Player Potential
Hansi Flick’s standout attribute as a coach this season is his knack for maximising the potential of individual players, which has been pivotal in FC Barcelona’s resurgence.
Under his guidance, Robert Lewandowski, despite being in the twilight of his career, has rediscovered his best form. Flick’s system is tailored to leverage Lewandowski’s strengths as a target man and clinical poacher, allowing him to lead the attack with efficiency and confidence. Moreover, given his age, the robust pressing and verticality allows the 36-year-old to stay much closer to the opposition box.
Marc Casadó, the 21-year-old midfielder, has been seen as the player who best represents Flick’s hybrid philosophy. Another gem from La Masia, the young midfielder epitomises Flick’s vertical Tiki-Taka approach with his technical prowess and ability to progress play by breaking lines as well as provide a shield for his defence with his physicality but perhaps no player has benefited more from Flick’s arrival than Raphinha.
The Brazilian winger admitted that he did not initially respond well to conversations with Flick regarding his position in the team. But his acceptance of being flexible saw him named as one of the club’s captains and he has become one of the most in-form and impactful players this season.
Similarly, the midfield duo of Gavi and Pedri and other midfielders have flourished under Flick’s nurturing approach. Gavi’s tenacity and aggression perfectly complement Pedri’s composure and finesse, creating a dynamic and balanced partnership that has become the engine of Barca’s success.
Thus, Flick’s ability to identify and optimise each player’s role within his tactical framework has not only elevated individual performances but also created a cohesive and formidable team environment.
What can Flick’s Barcelona achieve?
Just one year into the job, Flick has Barcelona on the verge of a treble. Barcelona have already secured the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España titles, are leading La Liga by four points with four matches to go and are in the semifinals of the Champions League. Barcelona’s last treble came in the 2014-15 season under Luis Enrique.
The German on the other hand knows what it takes to win a treble, having done it in 2020 with Bayern Munich. It is worth noting though, that during that run Flick’s Bayern beat Barcelona 8-2 in the quarterfinals.
Barcelona drew the first leg of their UCL semifinal tie against Inter Milan 3-3 at home and now will have to produce a solid performance away at the San Siro to book their place in the final, and with four games remaining in La Liga, they next face Real Madrid at home in a game at could seal the fate of the title race.
Thus, in a job that rarely offers coaches a second chance, especially at the highest level, Hansi Flick has already achieved more than many expected after he was removed from the Germany job. Now, he’s just a couple of steps away from one of the greatest coaching comebacks of the modern era.
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