Having just savored his first league title with Barça, Hansi Flick sent his first optimistic message to Joan Laporta in Bilbao: "The next league will be easier, Madrid will suffer."
The German coach is very clear that the schedule and the management of rest can be key to deciding the next league. He is convinced that Barça has an advantage in this regard.
the World Cup works against Real Madrid
The reason is simple: while Barça are already on vacation and calmly planning their preseason, Real Madrid still have a demanding appointment on the horizon.
From June 14 to July 13, Los Blancos will play in the new FIFA Club World Cup. This is a tournament that will force Xabi Alonso to push his starting players to the limit once again.
Flick is certain about it. The accumulation of matches will take its toll. For him, preseason work is vital to reap the rewards in April and May.
"No player can perform at 100% without a proper preseason. That's where titles are built and fatigue doesn't forgive," the new Barça manager is said to have told his inner circle.
meanwhile, while Madrid compete, Barça rest
Barça, meanwhile, have already closed the season and the players will enjoy a quieter summer. The coaching staff already have a complete and demanding preseason planned that will allow them to adjust concepts and integrate new signings. Above all, to start the season with fresh legs and a clear mind.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, will arrive exhausted. Los Blancos's season has been a real roller coaster of matches: Champions League, La Liga, Copa, Super Cups…
Now, the finishing touch is an international tournament in which many starters like Bellingham, Vinícius, Camavinga, or Valverde will play every possible minute. Rest will be minimal and the consequences, predictable.
first matches away from Camp Nou
That said, Flick is also aware that not everything will be easy for Barça. The reconstruction of Spotify Camp Nou has not yet been completed. It is expected that the first two or three home matches will be played away from home.
It is not entirely certain that the works of the first phase will be finished by mid-August. This is a significant, though temporary, handicap that will be offset by the rest of the positive factors.
The truth is that Barça will start with a structural advantage over their main rival. While Madrid accumulate miles (kilómetros) and minutes, Flick's new Barça will carefully prepare for the season. For the German coach, that can make the difference from the very first matchday.