Barca begin their campaign at Elche on Sunday in the Spanish top flight, a day after Mourinho’s Los Blancos visit Espanyol in the Catalan capital. Hansi Flick’s second season at Barcelona built on the success of his first, with the German coach guiding the Catalan giants to a second straight La Liga title. His third campaign, however, brings significant structural change to the team as Barcelona look to maintain their domestic dominance and handle the threat of Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid, while aiming to end their wait for Champions League glory.
“We have an incredible team, with a lot of quality,” Flick told Barca’s fans on Wednesday ahead of their final pre-season friendly against Al Ahly. “We are ready to work hard day after day and to fight for all the titles.”
Hansi Flick’s second season at Barcelona built on the success of his first, with the German coach guiding the Catalan giants to a second straight La Liga title.
If Rodri can provide greater stability behind him and Flick finds enough goals across a reshaped attack, Barcelona have the tools they need to retain their Liga crown. With Mourinho back in the Spanish capital the domestic race promises to be more fiercely contested though, and with the Champions League a key goal for Barca, Los Blancos are aiming to capitalise. Barcelona have been prolific going forward but vulnerable at the back since Flick arrived in 2024, and the club hopes the arrival of World Cup winner Rodri can help address the latter.
