Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has issued a cautionary note to supporters regarding the club's potential slow start to the upcoming season. His comments come in the wake of a triangular preseason tournament featuring matches against Udinese and Nottingham Forest, where Flick highlighted the challenges posed by a disrupted preparation period.
Flick's remarks reflect the reality that many of Barcelona's key players are still on vacation following their participation in the World Cup. The majority of these international stars are expected to return to training on Wednesday, leaving them with only ten days to prepare for the La Liga opener against Elche on August 23. This limited timeframe includes just two additional preseason friendlies against FC Basel and Al-Ahly.
The situation is further complicated by Barcelona's active involvement in the transfer market. As the club looks to reshape its squad, Flick anticipates significant changes with new arrivals and departures before the transfer window closes. This means that the team will have limited time to build chemistry and familiarity on the pitch, which is crucial for success in the demanding La Liga.
Given these circumstances, Flick does not expect to see Barcelona performing at their peak until after the first international break of the season. He stated, “Many players are arriving this week; it’s an atypical and strange preseason. We have to respect the players’ vacations, and this preseason isn’t normal. We’ll have to manage it until the international break; until then, we won’t be at 100%.”
It's also important to note that this season's football calendar has been altered, reducing the number of international breaks from three to two. However, the first international break, scheduled from September 21 to October 8, will last three weeks, providing a longer period for players to regroup and recover.
Flick's insights suggest that fans should temper their expectations in the early weeks of the season. If his predictions hold true, Barcelona may not reach full competitive form until mid-October. As the club navigates through a transitional period, supporters will need to be patient as the team works to integrate new players and regain its rhythm.
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