How Hansi Flick has transformed FC Barcelona despite injury & financial woes?

The German manager has transformed the Catalan club’s fortunes sooner than we expected.

FC Barcelona are currently top of the LaLiga table with 21 points, winning all seven games they have played under Hansi Flick, scoring 19 goals so far into the campaign.

🏟️ 7 La Liga games⚽️ 21 points📊 100% winning recordDon Hansi Flick 👑 pic.twitter.com/y3sPaLLkTs

— – (@MusialaEra) September 25, 2024

Flick seems to have instantly worked his magic at the club despite mixed feelings when the former Bayern Munich manager was appointed. However, everything was played down the moment the club won all three games in a row under him.

Fans are seeing a different Barcelona side under Flick. They look lethal and ready to devastate opponents with their attacking unit. There is a sense of vibrancy, similar to what Lionel Messi produced during his time at the club. He used to torment the opposition with his dribbling.

Their 5-1 win against Villarreal was another indication that Barcelona are on the rise once again, and it’s only because of one man.

Barcelona’s injury and financial troubles

Before we dive into Flick’s transformation of Barcelona, we need to also take into account how they continue to be mired in injuries and their financial woes are yet to go away.

Barcelona’s financial condition was so bad that they only managed to sign one player this summer, Dani Olmo, from RB Leipzig. To make things worse, he also suffered an injury and will be out for a long period of time.

Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, and Fermín Lopez have all suffered injuries, while Gavi and Frenkie de Jong continue their recovery from their respective ailments.

Now the fresh addition to their injury list is goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who tore his patella tendon against Villarreal. He is likely to be out for the rest of the season.

The Barcelona squad is currently threadbare. Those who are on the field are mostly La Masia graduates who have performed like they have been playing for the senior team for years.

Despite all the financial struggles and injuries, how has Flick transcended Barcelona to the next level?

Under Flick, Barcelona have turned into a side that puts intense pressure on opponents and tries to win the ball back inside their half. They have recorded 8.7 turnovers, winning the ball in the opponent’s half. This is slightly higher than last year’s 8.3 per game in 38 matches.

Wonderkid, Lamine Yamal, has made seven tackles in the final third, more than any other player in LaLiga this season. Raphinha has led the team in winning back possession (27). Both attacking duos have been the key reason for Barcelona’s intense pressing under Flick.

The club won’t have to dread their disjointed press in the game as it’s now collective, collaborative, and effective. Barcelona’s collective work has also eased pressure on defence as the opposition now tries to play long ball, which can be dealt with more easily, instead of maintaining possession.

Flick has managed to bring his principles into Barcelona’s system, answering all the questions which were raised related to whether the former Germany national team coach would overturn the club’s situation.

Barcelona are now playing free-flowing football. Once all their injured star players return, we can expect the old Barcelona to be back and challenge for every trophy possible under Flick.

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