One of the major factors behind FC Barcelona’s brilliant start to life under new manager Hansi Flick has been the improved physical performances and fitness levels of players.
A distinct focus is being put on strength-conditioning and injury prevention this season and it is paying great dividends for the team thus far.
Deco led the charge, team fully behind it
Now, SPORT reports that the Barcelona locker room is unanimously behind the changes made with regard to this aspect and are fully on board with the ideas.
As per the report, it was before the final stretch of last season that sporting director Deco spearheaded a series of changes he deemed essential to improve the quality of the first team.
The club’s board and sporting department recognised the need for a shift in physical preparation, particularly after frequent injuries and the squad’s struggles to maintain a high intensity throughout matches.
The first move was to bring in Julio Tous to lead the physical preparation department. The second was hiring Raul Martinez to oversee physiotherapy.
Together with the expertise of Dr. Ricard Pruna, a long-time figure in the club’s medical department, these changes have started to bear fruit.
Former manager Xavi Hernandez agreed to the changes, though with his eventual departure, it was Flick and his staff who took charge of working with the new physical preparation and physiotherapy teams.
The connection between Flick’s staff and the departments led by Tous, Martinez, and Pruna has been excellent, with constant and fluid communication.
One of the key aspects of the new physical training approach is that the intensity has increased significantly – but almost always with the ball.
Several habits have been adjusted, and a large portion of the squad now does additional work outside the club’s facilities. Every session, whether within or outside the club, is carefully monitored by the team’s specialists.
Results there for all to see
The results are clear, with the recent match vs Benfica, where the team played 70 minutes with ten men, serving as a prime example of their impressive physical condition.
Overall, the squad’s physical condition is outstanding. If one player serves as the perfect example, it is Pedri.
He has been performing at an exceptional level, maintaining a heavy match schedule while staying strong and energetic until the final whistle. While credit goes to him, it is also a testament to the work of the professionals behind the scenes.
Ronald Araujo also highlighted the importance of these structural changes in a recent interview.