Barcelona manager Hansi Flick revealed where he wants his team to improve ahead of the 2025-26 season after an incredible first campaign in charge.
The Blaugrana had an unforgettable year in 2024-25, winning a domestic treble and reaching the Champions League semi-finals playing some of the most exciting football in club history, and with a young squad still in development there is a lot of hope that this team is just getting started and can achieve a lot more in the coming years.
But there’s still a lot to improve upon, and Flick spoke about the need to get better in a press conference on Saturday. Hansi paid special attention to the defense, highlighting the need to improve their pressing as a team and get off to better starts in games to avoid being put under pressure to pull off miraculous comebacks in second halves, which were a staple of his side towards the end of the season.
“As I often say, defense isn’t just about the back four. It starts up front, with the forwards. We need a compact system. In possession, it’s important to be in the right position, too. When we make a mistake, we talk about it at halftime, and the players know how to correct it. I want everything to be clear from the start. Everyone knows how to press and what each player’s job is.
“Also with the ball. From the start, the players are focused. That’s what I want from them. We can see it in other teams; when they’ve been together for years, it’s easier. We’re doing well. We analyze everything and will work hard. Also from the physical aspect. Not just those players who have played more, but Frenkie and Pedri, what a level. They’ve played at an incredible level. That’s what I want to see. Every player giving 100%. Not just when we have possession. Pedri and Frenkie have improved defensively.”
Flick is absolutely correct. Barça can’t rely on making comebacks time and time again, so starting strong is a must next season. The pressing also needs to be better, because the now famous high line and offside trap won’t work as often if the forward players don’t work as hard as possible without the ball.
Hansi will certainly focus on getting his squad into even better shape in preseason, and create a better defensive system so the entire team is as effective without the ball as they are with it.
Barça are the top scorers in Europe this season. Imagine if they become a top defense next year. Look out.
