How Barcelona's Mentality Changed Under Hansi Flick | The New Beginning of FC Barcelona Under Flick

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona dominates La Liga, with a perfect start to the 2024-25 season. Can the German manager bring more trophies despite injuries and financial woes?

FC Barcelona is back to its normal La Liga domination under German manager Hansi Flick, who stamped his authority on the side quite fast. There was suspicion when the appointment was made, but there's no doubt Flick's influence has been immediate. With all seven La Liga games for the 2024-25 season won, Barcelona sits atop the table and leads the way with 21 points. The team has scored already 23 goals and conceding just five thus demonstrating renewal at both ends.

Flick’s Magic: 

Hansi Flick has transformed Barcelona faster than most would have hoped. A team that had been dogged by many challenges before he got there now looks the strongest ever assembled in this project. Under Flick, Barcelona's attack has been merciless, undressing opponent after opponent game after game. Their 5-1 thrashing of Villarreal, their latest win, captures just how dangerous the team has become. ".

One key characteristic of Flick's early games has been his emphasis on the team pressing high and trying to win the ball back in dangerous areas. The average turnovers in the opponent's half per game has increased somewhat, from last season's average of 8.3 turnovers to the current 8.7. Intensity has really made Barcelona a more dominating team in their transition game.

Injury and Financial Struggles

While on the pitch, things continue to flourish for Barcelona, financial problems and injuries are yet to be dealt with. The transfer window during summer did much to expose the budgetary constraints of the club, especially as they only managed to sign Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig. It was bad luck for Olmo to begin their season in injured books as well as many other players of the club.

Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, and Fermín Lopez injuries consistently create squad shortages in Barcelona. However, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong are recovering, and Marc-André ter Stegen's injury - he has a torn patella tendon that should keep him out for the rest of the season - has a devastating effect on the defense of the team.

But Flick has managed to get the best out of a very threadbare squad, with several graduates from La Masia showing up and performing as if they have been with the senior team for years. The young lad has filled the gaps in the team resulting from the injuries to injured stars and has helped Barcelona stay within title contention.

Pressing Game: Flick’s Tactical 

One of the significant reasons Barcelona have come roaring back under Flick is through their vastly improved pressing game. He has managed to transform the once not-so-pressing machine, the Barcelona team, into a high-intensity pressing team. Players like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha have turned out to be some of the vital possession-winning specialists upfront.

This wonderkid, Lamine Yamal, has made seven tackles in the final third more than any other player in La Liga this season.

Raphinha has headed the team's tally of recoveries from the opponent's half with 27.

All these have made the load lightened on the defense line of Barcelona as their opponents are forced to resort to long balls rather than possession, thus lowering the opportunities they organize against Barcelona's defenders.

Even with key players out injured and at times looking a little short in numbers, Barcelona have played free-flowing football under Flick. His tactical intelligence and the ability to inspire a cohesive team effort has answered many of the questions raised when he took over. Once the injured stars return, we can expect Barcelona to challenge for every trophy, playing with the swagger and dominance they once had.

Hansi Flick has quickly turned this Barcelona team into title chasers. If this continues, the journey thus far under Flick might easily bring another wave of victory to the Camp Nou, with whatever off-field problems the team faces against it.