NOTICE: What we learned about Hansi Flick’s Barcelona during the United States preseason tour

The Manager is Changing the Dynamic on the Pitch

Maybe it’s not what the American fans were hoping to see, but Hansi Flick will be thrilled by the show that his young, and mostly unknown, players put on.

The first half against AC Milan was a blip in the story of Barcelona’s preseason.

For the first time, the opponents came out fired up and on the front foot, especially Christian Pulisic who looked like he had something to prove in front of his countrymen.

But at halftime, Flick made adjustments and Barcelona became the protagonists of the game, just as they were against Real Madrid and Manchester City.

That’s the main takeaway of the summer.

A bunch of fearless teenagers from La Masia fighting hard for each other, and for themselves, knowing the golden opportunity that was in front of them.

The whole thing felt like watching a tryout. And really, that’s what the summer training camp should always be about, whether you’re a veteran, or looking to break in as a rookie.

And in that spirit, the manager certainly learned a lot about his team. And the fans did too.

Hansi Flick’s Commitment to Youth

Hansi Flick has spent his first few weeks in charge gushing about the young players coming out of the academy.

It also seems clear that he’s spent months studying these young players from afar, which may be one of the main reasons he got the job to begin with.

My expectation was that the best-known names from La Masia would be the ones given the biggest chance in the first few games.

But managers make their own evaluations.

It doesn’t look like Mikayil Faye or Noah Darvich are on the fast track to the first team.

Instead, it’s Pau Víctor and Marc Casadó who logged the most minutes, and look to have earned the confidence of their coach.

No big surprise with those two names, especially with Casadó, who has been identified for a while now.

But there were plenty of others that most of us have never seen, or even heard of, before.

Emerging Talents and Surprise Performances

Let’s start with Quim Junyent. Raise your hand if he was on your radar. Regardless, Flick seems to really like him.

Another player to log significant minutes was center back Sergi Domínguez, who jumped in front of Faye in the pecking order. Sergi struggled and was targeted against AC Milan, and yet Flick stuck with him. Through trial by fire, the young 19-year-old may have a part to play this season with uncertainty swirling around Ronald Araujo.

From there, the list goes on.

Marc Bernal and Marc Casadó looked very comfortable with one another as a double pivot partnership. Both will certainly have a part to play in the campaign ahead.

Flick gave a lot of time to Álex Valle and Gerard Martin, but surprisingly seemed to forget about Héctor Fort and Julián Araujo, the better-known names.

Of the attacking players, we got a glimpse of Toni Fernández, Unai Hernández, and Guille Fernández, although none of them seemed to make much of an impact.

But you can’t say Flick didn’t make an effort to give everyone, and I mean everyone, a shot. Albeit, some more than others.

Tactical Adjustments and High Intensity

And the young troupe of footballers came together and far exceeded expectations against opposition with much more fame and experience.

Flick repeatedly said after every game that for all the positives, the team needs to do better defending higher up the pitch.

This was the mantra.

Forget about possession, that’s natural to everyone who plays at Barcelona.

Defense first. Where you win the ball is what matters.

It was less about starting from the back and building, and more about high intensity to press and win the ball in the attacking half.

The energy, for friendly games, is what stood out for me. And Flick seems to be very clear and consistent about what he’s asking for.

And no surprise, it made Robert Lewandowski’s job easier on Tuesday night. And his new partner in arms Pau Víctor too.

Looking Ahead: Building on Summer Success

It’s very early on in the proceedings, but that looked like a team that was taking advantage of their summer.

And with the others returning from their summer holidays, they’re going to have to join the party and get on their level.

But I don’t think for a second that Flick will hesitate to play one of the inexperienced youngsters.

It all depends on who’s learning the system the fastest, and showing commitment toward the mission at hand.

So who will be in the starting eleven for the Joan Gamper Trophy? Whoever is earning it every day at training, and in every minute of playing time given to them.

Just as it should be.

so: A New Era Under Flick

Hansi Flick’s initial weeks at Barcelona have revealed much about his approach and vision for the team. Emphasizing youth development, high-intensity play, and tactical flexibility, Flick is laying the groundwork for a dynamic and resilient squad. As the preseason progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how these young talents integrate with seasoned players, and how Flick’s strategies unfold in competitive matches. The upcoming season promises to be an intriguing journey under his leadership, with a blend of fresh faces and renewed vigor aiming to propel Barcelona back to the pinnacle of football excellence.