How Flick shook up Barcelona

The German strategist shook Barcelona and La Liga with his total football philosophy.

Hansi Flick first came into contact with football as a boy in Mückenloch, the small town where he grew up. From an early age, he carried Barcelona in his heart. This summer, AS visited his hometown club, where the dressing room was covered with words like begeisterung (passion), vertrauen (belief), wille (will), and spass (joy).

Those seemingly simple values ​​are the core spirit of Flick's Barcelona - a championship team that bears the unmistakable mark of the man born in Heidelberg 60 years ago.

Beginning

The story of Barcelona’s 28th La Liga title begins in England – when Deco and Bojan travelled to London to meet Hansi Flick at Pini Zahavi’s Mayfair home. After listening to his detailed and convincing presentation, Deco called President Laporta to say: “We have a coach.”

Flick won over the sporting department not only with his deep understanding of the squad but also with his determination and a mindset that resonated with Deco - that the current Barca squad could play even better. Just two days later, Flick was officially appointed, beating out internal candidate Rafa Marquez.

And he got to work immediately. The former Bayern Munich captain took the initiative to call Frenkie De Jong and chat directly with other players competing at Euro 2024 - including Lamine Yamal. At the same time, the coaching staff completely overhauled the fitness department, adding top experts such as Pepe Conde, Rafa Maldonado and Germán Fernandez under the guidance of Julio Tous.

Hansi Flick's Barcelona just won the 2024/25 La Liga championship.

The US tour was where Flick began his “tactical revolution”. He told his players that they would play a suffocating press, defend high, and play the ball quickly. At first, the players were skeptical. But after a few games, they understood: This was not just a change in tactics – it was a change in the whole mindset.

Flick is strict and extremely disciplined – especially when it comes to punctuality. But he is also approachable and empathetic. He doesn’t need fancy press conferences, he believes that success comes from within – from a team spirit. Even the collection of uniforms after each match is seen as a factor in creating unity.

He doesn't use financial hardship as an excuse. Dani Olmo (and Pau Victor) were rare signings, and didn't even start the season. The win over Valencia was a testament to that spirit - with the midfield of two unknowns Marc Bernal and Marc Casado.

But from that randomness, Barcelona gradually formed a distinct identity: speed, determination, and relentless attack. In the 4-2-3-1 formation, Inigo Martinez became the leader of the defense, Pedri became the heart of the midfield.

The 4-0 win over Real Madrid in Round 11 was a shock - but also a boost. This was no longer a team that “played like children”, but a group that was ready to learn and improve. Flick had experienced a “dark November” and a terrible December - with 4 defeats in 7 games, even being dismissed by Real Betis. But he did not deviate from the chosen path.

Flick completely transformed Barcelona.

Flick overcame all the turmoil, from the Olmo scandal at Christmas, to the injuries of key players like Ter Stegen, Christensen, Bernal or Casado. The German coach never looked for excuses. And then, in 2025, he was proven right: from being 7 points behind, Barcelona came back to end the season with a +7 point difference - an unimaginable sprint in 5 months. They beat Atletico, Celta Vigo, Real Madrid - with the spirit and fighting spirit typical of Flick.

Flick has transformed Barcelona into a team that is not only good at playing football, but also has a spirit of steel. The defeat to Milan in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals showed that they are still human, but their spirit is invincible.

Cruel but necessary decisions

One of Flick's biggest strengths is his candor. In pre-season, he told Gundogan that he didn't see him as suited to a team that needed constant movement - something he saw in Gavi and Fermin Lopez.

Flick controversially replaced Szczesny as the starter in place of Inaki Pena, and was willing to leave De Jong on the bench until Casado really matured. Even Araujo - a vice-captain - had to sit out because Cubarsi and Inigo were more consistent.

It is this fairness, transparency and determination that makes the dressing room absolutely "admire" Flick. The players know that he is raising them to a new level. After just one season, the value of the squad increased by nearly 140 million euros - but more importantly, the genuine connection between coach and players. This is the core of a winning team.

Now he is set to extend his contract until 2027. The question remains: How can a 60-year-old coach with such a keen vision and philosophy have only a few years of top-level coaching experience? Perhaps Barcelona is his destiny. And the Flick revolution - now it is only beginning.

Source: https://znews.vn/flick-lam-rung-chuyen-barcelona-nhu-the-nao-post1553629.html