The Return Of Barcelona: How Hansi Flick Engineered His Team Back To The Top

Xavi Hernández, who was liked by the entire Catalan fanbase due to his legendary status as a midfielder, posed himself as the revolution after Ronald Koeman was sacked. 

However, the Xavi Project started falling apart once Portuguese legend Deco arrived as Sporting Director. While Laporta tried to mediate between them, Hernández rarely agreed with his vision of the squad, forcing himself out. 

With Hansi Flick came a new chapter of uncertainty. Here’s the story of how he engineered Barcelona back to being one of the most feared teams in Europe.

Breaking Barcelona’s Curse

Hansi Flick’s journey has been eventful, to say the least. He broke Barcelona’s curse of failing to win against Bayern, his former club. The first two months saw a leading squad. But, after they fell to Atlético de Madrid just before the Christmas break. Additionally, there was a drop in November-December due to injuries and margins, leading them back to third. 

However, as of March 2025, Barcelona are one of the most feared clubs in the Champions League, having qualified for the quarterfinals. 

Hansi Flick’s Style of Play

Beyond the regular strategic plan, Hansi has distinguished himself with his man-management skills. One of Xavi’s greatest flaws was his inability to adapt to the situation, something the new coach has demonstrated well. 

Mentality has been a complex topic at the club. When Pau Cubarsí was sent off in the first half against Benfica, most thought folding would be sensible. Hansi believed otherwise and remained calm. 

Sure, he subbed Dani Olmo for Ronald Araújo, but Barcelona continued to attack when given the opportunity. This confidence was not by chance. It’s something Flick has brought to the squad from the beginning. 

Unlike previous seasons, this one is full of matches salvaged by substitutions and heroism in the last quarter. 

Another example also comes against Benfica.  

Barcelona were 2-0 down after goalkeeper Szczęsny’s mistakes punished the team. In the past, the Spanish side would be drawn towards defeatism instead of a solution-based approach. This is the influence the new coach has had on the squad. 

Hansi Flick’s Tactics Off the Pitch

Historically, one of the few drawbacks of managing Barcelona has been dealing with the Catalan press. Johan Cruyff said at the time that a big part of his job at the club had to do with off-pitch concerns. This was an issue for Xavi – he wasn’t authentic when his team lost and would engage in media wars with journalists.

Although an unintended consequence, Barcelona struck gold with a German coach who had limited Spanish or Catalan skills. Due to the translation issues, Flick is less likely to receive ‘tricky’ questions about the club’s politics. 

Even when Sport or Mundo Deportivo tried to drag the German into controversy, Hansi kept his answers professional. He’s repeatedly refused to comment about transfer-related questions, sending them back to the journalist or linking the board instead of himself. 

The media often created half-baked stories from misunderstood answers, something Flick has cut short with his straight-to-the-point answers. 

Preserving His Players

Hansi is a typical German. He doesn’t look for excuses but instead searches for ways to improve and remains self-critical. Even when Barcelona had historic wins, such as winning the Supercopa, he stayed down to earth. This is different from any coach since Pep, as Flick’s profile is rational. 

He gradually understood and respected the youth culture with La Masia – and made Casadó his. However, unlike his predecessors, he didn’t play him until he got injured. He used the midfield in alternation, where squad depth allowed him to do so. 

Hansi’s system is not perfect, but minor adaptations and faith in his system have made all the difference for his team between December and March. His method was thought to be risky due to the offside trap. 

Traditionally, Barcelona have preferred to control the midfield, but Flick installed a more vertical approach. While the risks are undeniable – goals have poured in. 

One of the reasons for this has been the cultivation of roles for Lamine Yamal and Raphinha while introducing players like Dani Olmo. Regardless of how Barca plays, Hansi’s team seems to function similarly.

Barcelona’s Comeback

Barcelona are breaking the bar for goals. Currently, they’ve scored 70 goals in less than 30 games in La Liga, meaning they average more than two goals/match. This is unheard of and a first since the downfall of the MSN (Messi-Suárez-Neymar) trio under Luis Enrique. 

It was once a culture to complain about the lack of transfer funds for Barcelona managers due to the club’s difficult financial situation in the post-Bartomeu era. But Flick showed public trust by insisting he would focus on his squad instead of wishing for other players. Since his arrival, there have been few controversies, a first in the club’s history.

All of this would not have been possible if it had not been for Hansi’s firm beliefs. It’s easy for coaches to doubt, especially with the Catalan press on your case. When the side failed to win against Atlético, questions were asked. 

In the following months, his decision to give Szczęsny the first spot was cross-examined by most. Coaches like Xavi, who have recently started their careers, haven’t had the time to experiment with their philosophy and convictions. This is not the case with Flick, who had been an assistant or head coach for over a decade. He’s kept the same approach because consistency is needed for players to evolve. 

Hansi introduced new physical training and new doctors. One of the greatest results of these changes has been the emergence of Pedri. Due to his thin stature, he was frequently hurt prior to this fitness regime. Since their arrival, Pedri has rarely been injured. 

Providing his players with this continuity, talents like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Cubarsí have developed and been key to the team’s growth.