The Camp Nou works are progressing at a very good pace. If there are no surprises, the third tiers will be operational at the start of next season, just like the VIP boxes, which are of great importance in refinancing the stadium. We'll play in the Camp Nou as soon as possible. The stadium is ready to play with a 27,000 capacity. Hansi Flick had chills when he entered the new Camp Nou. The players were freaking out too.
From the beginning of his Barcelona career, he has played with some of the biggest names in the game. He started as a sidekick to Lionel Messi, and now he plays in the shadows of Pedri and Lamine Yamal. He doesn't score fancy goals, or even record many assists. And yet, regardless of who the Barca manager has been, and by my count there have been five, his role in the starting eleven has never been questioned.
Say what you like about Hansi Flick, but the first-team head coach isn't for turning. Win, lose or draw, he clearly won't have his Barça side playing any other way than with the high-risk, high-reward high line. As we saw again at Celta, when it doesn't work and the Blaugranes are so easily exposed, it looks amateurish. However, in the second half, there was a clear indication of how well it can contain opposition teams when used correctly.
Interestingly, this would not be the first time Flick has experimented with Martin in central defence. After Inigo Martinez's departure, the manager tested Martin as a left-sided centre-back during training sessions and friendlies, and the results were encouraging. The youngster adapted well to the role, showing composure and positional awareness beyond his years. Those trials could now prove vital, as Flick considers all his options before Sunday's crucial clash against Celta Vigo.
It was an emotional day at the Camp Nou, not only because supporters witnessed the first open session since the stadium's renovation, but also due to the sight of Garcia back among his teammates. For the first time since suffering an injury against Real Oviedo on September 25, the young shot-stopper trained alongside the group in front of 23,000 enthusiastic fans. His presence was met with loud cheers as he stepped onto the pitch, symbolising another step forward in his recovery.
Of all of the top teams in Europe, Barcelona under manager Hansi Flick is the most addicted to the offside trap. The high-risk, high-reward defense has been Flick's trademark as a manager, and Barcelona has, by both design and necessity, adopted it with striking intensity. Flick's mantra is simple: Play a high line, try to catch opponents offside, and if and when it fails, just out-score them on the other end. This, I'd say, broadly worked last season.
"I feel good after the injury, physically, I feel very good. I already played with the team three days ago, and for me, the most important thing is how I can help the team win," said Lewandowski.
In what was a significant milestone for the club, Barcelona have finally announced the return date for the iconic Camp Nou stadium on November 7. The club are expected to hold training session in the renovated stadium on the date, two days ahead of their La Liga contest against league contest against Celta Vigo. Date was set on Hansi Flick's wishes
The departure of Inigo Martinez has hurt FC Barcelona more than they might have anticipated in the ongoing season. The veteran centre-back was not only a leader on the pitch, but also the ideal fit to execute Hansi Flick's high-line tactics and offside trap - something that the club have struggled with of late, while he was also the only left-footed central defender in the squad.
This worrying trend reflects a growing fragility in Flick's setup. Barcelona's high defensive line and pressing style - central to the German coach's philosophy - often leave them exposed when the collective pressure fails. While the intention to dominate high up the pitch is clear, the execution has faltered. Opponents who bypass the press easily find space behind, as seen in recent matches against Sevilla (13 shots, 5 on target), Girona (8 shots, 4 on target), and Real Madrid (23 shots, 10 on target).
