Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick leads a training session on the eve of the UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich at the Joan Gamper training ground in Sant Joan Despi, near Barcelona, on Tuesday. — AFP
Hansi Flick has quickly transformed a struggling Barcelona into a formidable force against Europe's top teams, and the upcoming Champions League match against his former club, Bayern Munich, on Wednesday will be their first major challenge. The Catalans have not made it to the semi-finals of the competition since 2019 and suffered a humiliating 8-2 defeat by Bayern in 2020 when Flick was in charge in Bavaria. Barcelona, five-time Champions League winners, last lifted the trophy in 2015, and failing to advance in this season's competition would mark a decade of underperformance.
Flick's Barcelona have made an impressive start to La Liga, winning nine out of 10 matches and scoring 33 goals. They showcased their attacking prowess with a 5-1 victory over Sevilla on Sunday, setting the stage for the Bayern Munich match and the upcoming La Liga Clasico against Real Madrid. Earlier in October, Barcelona thrashed Young Boys 5-0 in the Champions League after an initial 2-1 defeat at Monaco. Flick, who led Bayern to a historic sextuple in 2020, has rapidly turned around a Barcelona side that won nothing last season under Xavi Hernandez, despite several key injuries.
Gavi returned from a severe knee injury on Sunday, while Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and others face lengthy spells on the sidelines or are just returning. The most significant change has been the resurgence of former Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski. Flick has fully supported the Polish striker despite his struggles last season, and the 36-year-old has responded with 14 goals in 12 matches across all competitions. Flick has also given Raphinha and Lamine Yamal more freedom in attack and pushed the team forward, allowing Lewandowski more time in the penalty area.
Flick emphasized that the match against Bayern would not be a personal duel between Lewandowski and Bayern's Harry Kane but a team effort. Barcelona's fitness levels have improved significantly under Flick, with players working harder in training and maintaining their performance levels throughout matches. The team's pressing game has also become more intense, aiding their defensive efforts. Raphinha's work ethic has been crucial for Barcelona, and Marc Casado has been a standout in midfield after the club failed to sign a pivot in the summer transfer window.
Despite limited financial resources, Barcelona have brought in Dani Olmo, who has been injured and will start on the bench against Bayern. With the team in good form and high spirits, Flick's Barcelona are prepared for their toughest test yet when six-time Champions League winners Bayern Munich visit the Olympic stadium.
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