Hansi Flick has started his second preseason on Barça's bench with a lot of energy. The German coach wants to repeat last season's successes. To do so, he needs to have a compact, competitive, and well-structured group.
He knows the season will be demanding and the challenges are well defined from day one. That's why he wants to have everything ready before the official commitments begin. Having an organized structure will be key to moving forward from the very first minute.
The sporting management also shares Flick's vision. At this start, the training sessions are intense and with a massive presence of players. However, the excess of names creates an immediate problem.
Hansi Flick has already set a limit for Barça
Currently, the coaching staff is working with a total of 36 footballers. However, the German manager has been clear about his intentions: he only wants to work with 26. The idea is to start making decisions before the trip to Asia.
The goal for the summer tour is to bring together the final group. Flick doesn't want to take more people than necessary. In these types of training camps, time and resources are very limited.
That's why the internal forecast is that at least 10 will stay in Barcelona. The coaching staff will make the final list public in the coming days. However, the selection will be imminent.
There are five academy players who could stay and travel with Barça
In principle, the cuts will mainly affect reserve team profiles. However, not all of them will be left without options. Some have convinced the coach with their attitude and quality.
Five young players have a good chance of making the tour. They are Landry Farré, Jofre Torrents, Ibrahim Diarra, Jan Virgili, and Dani Rodríguez. All of them have shown their level during the first training sessions.
They are valued both for their talent and for their adaptation to Flick's model. If they keep up their performance, they could be part of the season. For them, this trip would be a great opportunity.
Flick backs a compact group
Hansi Flick's idea is to make decisions before the first friendly match. He wants to start the tour with a defined group and without improvisation. That will allow for more serious work from day one.
Although the full list hasn't been leaked yet, some names seem almost certain to be left out. The coach is reviewing each case with Deco. Surprises are not ruled out.
In addition, if there are definitive departures in the market, more spots could open up. However, the foundation on which he will build the new project is already very clear. Flick doesn't want to waste time.
Hansi Flick faces the challenge of building from preseason
Soon, the names of those who will be left out of the squad will be known. Some will see it as a step back, but it's part of the process. Hansi Flick is mapping out his project with logic and vision.
Those who travel will have a golden opportunity to earn a spot. Those who don't will continue training at the Sports City. The important thing will be not to give up.
The Asian tour will serve as the starting point for the new project. Hansi Flick wants to start off on the right foot. For that, he needs those who can really compete from now on.