Simplicity is genius; The rise of Hansi Flick’s Barcelona

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Wonderful El Clascio...

I’m still lost for words, as I expect are many other culers.

Barcelona came, they saw and they absolutely destroyed Real Madrid. Yes, destroyed.

Let’s not forget the narrative and the hoo-ha surrounding the lead up to Saturday’s El Clasico.

How Jude Bellingham was going to find the form that had deserted him so far this season, how the pace and trickery of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr would see Barca put to the sword... yada yada.

Well, clearly those of a Los Blancos persuasion didn’t countenance on the superior tactical skills of the quiet mastermind Hansi Flick.

Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Have no doubt whatsoever that this is a Barcelona side completely and utterly moulded in the German’s image.

With many of the same players that under performed when playing for Xavi, Flick already has some of them playing at or near their maximum level.

Did anyone honestly believe that in the space of six days Barca would beat an improving Sevilla 5-1, an always tough-to-beat Bayern 4-1 and then Real at the Bernabeu 4-0?!

It evokes memories of the ‘golden era’ under Pep Guardiola, a manager who also famously got the best out of the club’s La Masia talent in many of his matches.

Yamal, Cubarsi, Casado and more... it will soon become a roll call as familiar as Busquets, Puyol and Messi et al.

Flick has essentially tapped into the collective psyche of the squad and brought out the best elements of each player’s game.

How? Using not only his tactical prowess and deep understanding of each opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, but also his humanity. Players thrive on confidence and the need to feel wanted and appreciated.

Look at the way that each and every one of his players were at one with him at the close of the match.

⚠️ | QUICK STAT

Most offsides provoked by one side in a single match across Europe's top 5 leagues this season:

12 – Barcelona (v Real Madrid)
11 – Barcelona (v Alavés)
10 – Barcelona (v Osasuna)

Barça's high line is something else! #ElClasico pic.twitter.com/tDgONujguW

— Sofascore Football (@SofascoreINT) October 26, 2024

Playing such a high line was always going to be high risk, high reward, but he’s shown that the simplicity of such decisions is genius.

It may well have backfired in Madrid and on another day Mbappe and Co. would’ve consistently beaten the offside trap. However, you don’t win the raffle if you don’t buy a ticket and Flick’s bravery is laudable.

Like all good managers, he doesn't appear fazed by having to make unpopular decisions either, and that too can only win him respect in the long run.

Individual performances such as those over the past week will ensure certain names will retain the headlines, lest we forget that it’s Flick who’s also hitting all of the high notes.

Source: barcablaugranes.com