Hansi Flick’s Barcelona have started the new season in the best possible manner, winning four out of four games in La Liga.
The new manager has ushered in several changes to the team that went trophy-less last season in terms of both tactics and physical preparation. The latter, in particular, has been quite conspicuous with the team not dropping energy through the 90 minutes.
Earlier this week, Barcelona superstar Pedri Gonzalez spoke to the media specifically on the physical training under Flick and how it was more intense than the previous manager’s regimen
“We’re putting in a lot more effort at the club than before. I think the new physical trainers are really benefiting us,” he said, as revealed by Mundo Deportivo.
“We’re working really hard, and it shows in our performance. The team doesn’t slow down after the 70th or 80th minute. We maintain our physical level,” he added on the result.
Xavi’s entourage hit back
Now, as revealed by Cat Radio, Xavi’s entourage are very upset over the developments and Pedri’s statement in particular.
They believe that the club is behind the overt criticism of the club legend’s management and fitness schedule and that the public statements on the change brought by Flick are to win over support from the masses.
Xavi’s environment stresses the fact that no one spoke on the lack of physical preparation when Barcelona won La Liga in 2022-23 and thus eye a double standard.
While they do admit that the physical level of the team declined in the 2023-24 campaign, they claim that the loss of Alejandro Balde and Gavi to long-term injuries directly contributed to the fall in energy levels on the field.
Moreover, players like Joao Felix did not help the physical preparation or vigour on the field, they add.
The former manager’s environment closes their argument on the fact that injuries are still occurring at a similar rate under the new management with both Fermin Lopez and Marc Bernal injured in just the first month.
It remains to be seen if this topic develops into a full-blown fight between Xavi’s management and Barcelona and whether the administration does indeed have a hand in the public statements.
In either case, one cannot deny the improvement under the new manager and must hope that the team keeps up the same through the season.
