BARCELONA — Hansi Flick’s second season at Barcelona built on the success of his first, with the German coach guiding the Catalan giants to a second straight La Liga title.
His third campaign, however, brings significant structural change to the team as Barcelona look to maintain their domestic dominance and handle the threat of Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid, while aiming to end their wait for Champions League glory.
Barca begins their campaign at Elche on Sunday in the Spanish top flight, a day after Mourinho’s Los Blancos visit Espanyol in the Catalan capital.
“We have an incredible team, with a lot of quality,” Flick told Barca’s fans ahead of their final pre-season friendly against Al-Ahly of Egypt.
“We are ready to work hard day after day and to fight for all the titles,” Flick added according to AFP.
The arrival of Rodri from Manchester City is Barca’s most significant addition, while the departures of veteran striker Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres leave Flick with a reshaped attacking unit.
Barcelona have been prolific going forward but vulnerable at the back since Flick arrived in 2024, and the club hopes the arrival of World Cup winner Rodri can help address the latter.
The Spain captain was a market opportunity Barcelona were reluctant to pass up, particularly with Real Madrid also linked with the 30-year-old holding midfielder before his move to Catalonia.
Rodri brings not only control and defensive protection but also the experience of winning the biggest trophies in club football, qualities Barcelona hope can help them claim a first European crown since 2015.
“I’m here to compete for everything, for big things like the Champions League,” said Rodri after his presentation.
Achieving a third consecutive Liga title is a challenge in itself, particularly with Real Madrid strengthening heavily in the transfer market and turning back to Portuguese veteran Mourinho.
Barcelona have established a domestic advantage over their great rivals in recent seasons, but Mourinho’s arrival adds fuel to the fire of a rivalry he helped turn particularly bitter during his first spell in Madrid, between 2010-2013.
For Flick, the wily Mourinho represents a different kind of challenge.
The German has generally had few problems with opposing coaches during his time in Spain, but Mourinho is an expert at piling pressure on his rivals.
