The Catalans' cash-flow problems haven't gone away, but they have made a surprisingly sensational start to their Liga campaign
The one thing that we've come to expect at Barcelona in recent years is the unexpected. For example, just last season, club legend Xavi announced his intention to resign in January, reversed his decision three months later, but was then ruthlessly removed from his role in May regardless.
The current campaign also began with Barca still scrambling around trying to register their one star summer signing, Dani Olmo, who was only cleared to play in La Liga thanks to an injury to Andreas Christensen as it created some wiggle room within the Blaugrana's salary cap.
However, in spite of his constant state of chaos, and a succession of injury blows so far this term, Hansi Flick has Barca riding high at the top of Primera Division table, two points clear of reigning champions Real Madrid, after winning all six of their games so far.
So, how on earth have they done it? And can the Catalans continue to defy expectations? GOAL breaks down Barca's breath-taking start to the Spanish season below…
GettyThe Flick factor
Flick had plenty to prove when he arrived in Barcelona. The way in which the club had dealt with Xavi's exit did not sit right with many supporters and there was a feeling that the German had only been hired because he was a free agent, thus making him the most attractive option for a cash-strapped club. Furthermore, while he may have won a treble with Bayern Munich, his dismissal after a dreadful run of results with Germany in the lead-up to Euro 2024 hardly inspired confidence in his capabilities.
Flick, though, hasn't put a foot wrong so far. He immediately endeared himself to the fans and the media by embracing the local culture and, far more importantly, quickly won over the dressing room with his demanding but engaging style of management.
"He's really close to the players; someone who likes to talk with us," Pedri told . "Apart from being serious, he also enjoys a joke, he's not always as serious as he appears.
"He helps us young players a lot. He's always on top of what we need and you appreciate that. When things have to be taken seriously, though, he does. He does have that element of a sergeant about him, but he's as good as gold when he speaks with the players."
AdvertisementGetty Images'Work much harder than before'
One of Joan Laporta's principal problems with Xavi's Barca was that the team had a costly habit of fading in the final stages of games. "Flick knows that the players need to be prepared better physically," the president stated during the summer.
Incessant injury issues have long been a problem for Barca – which is why the fitness department was overhauled during the summer – and they haven't gone away just yet. Indeed, Flick has already lost both Marc Bernal, the teenage academy graduate who was shining in defensive midfield, and captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen to ACL injuries, while Olmo, Christensen and Fermin Lopez have all succumbed to more short-term but still significant fitness issues.
However, there is no denying that Barca, as a unit, look fitter, fresher and stronger than last season, with the players doing an excellent job so far of implementing the intensive pressing game with which Flick achieved so much success at Bayern.
"We work much harder than before," Pedri revealed. "The new fitness coaches that have come in are really good for us. We work hard and you notice it in the games. The team doesn't dip after the 70th or 80th minute, it maintains the same fitness levels."
AFPPedri feels 'free' again
Pedri is probably the perfect example of Flick's influence over the team. Without wanting to jinx a 21-year-old who has been blighted by injuries for the past three seasons, he looks in better shape than ever before.
After coming off the bench in the opening-weekend win at Valencia, he has started every game since and is back doing what he does best: winning the ball and using it effectively. Pedri has reclaimed possession more times than any other Barca player so far this season (31), while only Raphinha has created more chances.
"Physically, I notice that I am doing much better, able to do different things," he said. "Flick is really good in that sense, giving us confidence. I feel free. I think that's what he has transmitted to me, to play without pressure and to do what I know. I feel much more at ease."
GettyRaphinha & Lewandowski on top form
Of course, Pedri isn't the only player flourishing under Flick. Ostensibly, Raphinha remains a winger in the German coach's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation but he, too, has been given far greater freedom by Flick, which means the Brazilian is now constantly popping up in central areas – and to impressive effect.
Raphinha isn't just creating chances, as all good widemen should, he's also working tirelessly to win the ball back high up the pitch. Even more significantly, he's added goals to his game. The former Leeds United star has already netted five times this season – just one fewer than he managed across the entire 2023-24 Liga campaign – and ranked second in the Liga scoring charts after six rounds of matches. The one man above him? Team-mate Robert Lewandowski, with six goals in as many games.
The Pole was once again Barca's top scorer last season, but there were undeniably times when it appeared as if time had caught up with the 36-year-old. However, Lewandowski looks reborn under Flick, which is perhaps unsurprising given the No.9 broke the Bundesliga single-season goal-scoring record during their time together at Bayern. As Flick pointed out recently, "This is the Robert I know; I never knew another."
As for Lewandowski, he says he is simply benefiting from Flick's more direct approach: "We are looking to get the ball into the box more quickly this season and, as a striker, that’s my zone; that’s where I want the ball."