The disappointments of Flick in a very complicated second year at Barça

Since logistical problems to unexpected departures and internal tensions, the German coach is experiencing a very different course compared to his first campaign, which was a story of "three-way love" between the coach, the club, and the fans. Throughout these months, Flick has had to deal with several setbacks that explain his growing irritability in press conferences and his body language on the sidelines, as seen recently in the match against Girona.

1. Delays with Spotify Camp Nou

One of the main headaches for the coach has been the delay in the stadium´s reopening. What was supposed to be the first full season at the new Spotify Camp Nou has turned into a long wait. Initially, it was expected that the return would coincide with the Joan Gamper Trophy, but the dates were postponed first to September, then to October, and now they are looking towards the end of November, when the so-called "phase 2" should come into operation, allowing for around 45,000 fans. An important setback in both the emotional and sporting aspects, although Flick, true to his profile as a club man, has avoided any public criticism aware that it could generate instability.

2. The noise of the market with Fermín and Casadó

Another source of tension arose in the summer when Casadó and Fermín were linked to a possible departure. Both are key players in the coach´s plans, essential pieces in his sports project. However, the rumors persisted until the market closed, especially in the case of Fermín, which created some uncertainty within the locker room in the early matches.

3. The blow of Iñigo´s departure

Perhaps the most painful episode for Flick was the unexpected departure of Iñigo Martínez. The conversation they had on the flight back after the Asian tour was a hard blow for the coach. Iñigo had been one of the defensive leaders in the previous season, a key piece in the high line and fundamental in ball progression. His understanding with Cubarsí formed one of the pillars on which Flick built his more offensive scheme. Although the coach publicly acknowledged the loss and assured that he had the necessary resources to compensate for it, the reality is that the team has not yet found the ideal central duo and continues to seek balance in defense.

4. The chaos with the preseason tour

The disorder experienced before the start of the season did not help either, with the conflict with the promoting company of the tour, the delays in flights, and the famous "scare" that generated great confusion. These tours are usually not favored by coaches, but the added uncertainty ended up exhausting the patience of the German coach.

5. A plague of injuries

The start of the season has also been marked by a negative streak in the physical aspect. Important players like Gavi —who will be out for five months—, Fermín, Lewandowski, Raphinha, Olmo, and Balde have suffered injuries that have limited the team´s rotations. Unlike last season, when the squad remained relatively healthy, this year injuries have affected the continuity and performance of the group.

6. Egos within the locker room

In addition to all this, some internal attitudes have forced Flick to intervene firmly. After the match in Vallecas, the coach was clear: "egos cannot be above the group." His message was direct and had an impact both inside and outside the locker room. The German has insisted on the importance of maintaining the attitude and intensity of last year, reminding that without those values the project can falter.

A year full of obstacles

Although the season still has a long way to go and the problems are reversible, it is evident that Hansi Flick has had to face a much more turbulent scenario in this second year at the helm of Barça, with several external and sporting factors that have not played in his favor.