Flick’s Total Revolution

At Barça everything is different. The arrival of the German coach was a turning point, and the effect produced by the game with the Blaugrana lives up to expectations. This is an x-ray of change.

If what starts well ends well, Barcelona have reason to be excited again. In a cyclothymic club, which in the imperial era was accustomed to victories, and later to losses, The arrival of Hansi Flick (Heidelberg, Germany, 59) meant radical change. in the sensations conveyed by a team walking without a compass. His football is now stimulating, more dynamic and direct than ever, devoid of the confusion it brought during the recent Xavi era. You’ve left the uncertainty behind to restore high pressure and reset the gasket. At the moment, Barca are a complete team, incredibly fresh physically and much more balanced.

There were those in the summer who wondered when Madrid would win the title with its competitive tyranny, joined by Mbappe, but the debate is clearly different now. Barca managed to level the score in the race for the League and are not disparaging their main rivals.

He has established himself as an absolute candidate under a coach who has modernized his game. Barca’s change is obvious and has its own explanation.

The data clearly shows that this is a rehabilitated Barça. It seems that he has dealt with the ghosts of the past and is performing his duties with extraordinary consistency. He has many qualities, but if there is one thing he has made significant progress on, it is pressure after a loss. Flick adheres to the principle: the faster you recover, the less you run back. Based on this axiom, Barca operate with attitude, determination and tactical flair. Thus, it is the second team in the league that carries out the most pressing actions, which is an absolutely surprising condition, since it is this team that has possessed the ball the longest. He made 85 rebounds in advanced areas, which brought him up to 14 scoring chances and two goals. It is a collective effort in which everyone participates with absolute conviction that this is the right way. Without going any further, Pedri became the Blaugrana’s top scorer with 50 interceptions. And Casado understands his position and always closes the distance. There is no way Barça would have reached these numbers if it weren’t for the sky-high intensity of the controversy. High pressing is another characteristic of Barça and will always benefit their style of play.

With the level of activation and aggressiveness comes pressure at a much higher pace of play. This is the most vertical Barça, which is remembered for its continuous breaks. No one stands still, everyone seeks space when the occasion demands it. Kubarsi and Inigo Martinez, the players who make the most noise in the league, do not waste time and look for forwards and meaningful passes. It’s not about the long game, as evidenced by the fact that he’s averaging four fewer deliveries per game compared to the previous campaign, but that there’s always an intention to spear the opposition and match them with mobility. Compared to Madrid, 28% of their passes are progressive, two points more than the Whites. Moreover, when he sets up in the opposite field, he causes an individual overflow and tries to complete the game. This is why he registers two more dribbles and two more shots per game compared to the last league.

The start of the season therefore gives a very positive overall outlook for Barcelona. He has nothing to blame himself for and much to hold on to, although he does not have permission to defeat himself. The overall success also includes the high level of play of all players. Kounde, Inigo, Casado, Pedri, Lamine, Fermin, Olmo, Rafinha, Lewandowski… When everyone shines, there is a sensational performance behind it, the banner of which is La Masia.

Barça looks prestigious in the Clasico and in a moment reminiscent of past eras. He even dared to put an end to the Bavarian curse in the best possible way.