The keys to Hansi Flick's success in his first season at Barça

Hansi Flick (60 years) has transformed to FC Barcelona With a formula based on serene but demanding leadership, confidence determined in young people, tactical courage and integral management of the group. Without seeking prominence, he has managed to reconnect the team with the stands, return competitive identity and navigate the complex environment of the club. And so the first domestic triplet in the history of Spanish football came: Liga, Copa del Rey and Super Cup of Europe in its first season.

1

Close but firm leadership

Hansi Flick has imposed an authority based on mutual respect. Near with the players, explain their decisions and hug behind the changes, but inflexible with the rules. It does not allow delays or attitudes that affect the dynamics of the group, as Koundé or Peña verified on the occasions. His leadership is not authoritarian, but of course: everyone knows the rules from day one. The phrase that best defines his style in the costumes: “Leader, but without stridency.”

2

Valient trust in young people: the 'boom' Lamine Yamal

Flick has not feared to bet on young talent, even in the most demanding stages. With him he has definitely exploited Lamine Yamal. Without loading it with media pressure, he has given continuity as a holder and total confidence, without overprotecting him but either exposing him. The rest has put 'the child', as they call him in the locker room.
And it has not been the only one. He has also counted as fixed with Cubarsí, untouchable, Fermín has been less, ending in a great way, his pulse has not trembled with Gerard Martín or Héctor Fort, whom he gave opportunities in key moments of the final course of course.

3

A brave defense: the high line

Tactically, Flick has opted for an advanced defense that assumes risks. This defensive courage has been one of the team's signs, seeking to steal high and play many meters in rival field. It is not a conservative style: it assumes vertigo as part of its offensive proposal. The 11 game in which Madrid fell in 0-4 at Santiago Bernabéu, reinforced their bet.

4

Tactical flexibility: more than drawing, game

Flick has broken with the dogma of 4-3-3 without losing the essence of the position game. He has introduced 4-2-3-1 as a regular system, allowing some players to shine more (cases such as Pedri or Jong). For Flick, the drawing is only the starting point: the important thing is how the ball moves, how it is attacked and how it is pressed. His Barça has played well, he has been brave and entertained, recovering the emotional connection with the stand. It is a team that has fun.

5

Exemplary Management of Template and Staff

Demanding, committed and exemplary. Flick preaches with the example: he was the first to train even during a virus pass in the Super Cup. In addition, it has been generous in recognitions, including its technical body in prizes and celebrations. Control all the details, from the videos in the breaks to the clothing protocol. Each group member has known what was expected from him from day one.

6

Natural connection with the environment

His relationship with the press and the environment has been intelligent: educated, respectful and discreet. He has kept distance without isolation, perhaps helped by expressing himself in English in public and reserving Spanish for intimacy. Because something already speaks. With the fans, his treatment has been warm but contained. He knows when to speak and when to let the foci illuminate only the players, such as the day of the League title in Cornellà.

7

Emotional and political intelligence

Flick understands the Barça ecosystem. In a club loaded with politics and ideology, he has managed to navigate prudence. He has not confronted, but he has marked his land: with the players, with the managers and even with Laporta. Its relationship with Deco has been key to its arrival and consolidation. He arrived with a deep knowledge of the club and his surroundings. And that has been noticed.