The Blaugrana have a new coach but just how competitive will they be given the club's financial constraints?
FC Barcelona remains more than a club – but for all the wrong reasons these days. A proud social institution has become an embarrassing farce, a sorry soap opera that never fails to entertain with its shocking twists and turns.
Last season was particularly dramatic, with head coach Xavi announcing his decision to step down at the end of the season in January, reversing it in April, only to then be forced out of the club in May by president Joan Laporta.
Hardly surprising, then, that amid such constant chaos in Catalunya, the Blaugrana failed to win a single trophy and were forced to watch on as hated rivals Real Madrid not only took their Liga title, but also conquered Europe once more.
So, what chance does Xavi's successor, Hansi Flick, have of restoring order at Barcelona this term? Not much based on what we've seen so far this summer…
GettyMood around Barcelona
The fans are fearful. Lever-pulling Laporta hasn't managed to make Barcelona's financial problems go away with his creative sponsorship deals and partnership agreements. Indeed, some financial experts believe that the current president is not doing much better than his predecessor to tackle the club's crippling debt, which is really saying something, given Josep Maria Bartomeu left the Blaugrana on the verge of bankruptcy when he finally stepped down in October 2020.
It's certainly concerning that just two days before Barca's Liga opener against Valencia, it's been claimed in the local press that five squad members remain unregistered, including the club's only two summer signings, Dani Olmo and Pau Victor.
Consequently, more sales are imperative if Laporta is to have any chance of balancing the books between now and the close of the transfer window.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTransfer business
After the bitter disappointment of failing to prise Nico Williams away from Athletic Club, the return of La Masia graduate Olmo was warmly received by the fans, particularly as he was one of Spain's key players during their thrilling Euro 2024 triumph.
However, the size of the fee (€55m) raised eyebrows. Olmo has never been renowned for his consistency or end product and while he is undeniably versatile, capable of playing out wide or as a No.10, he hardly fills a gaping void in Barca's starting line-up.
Of course, another forward may soon be sold, particularly as Victor has also signed on permanently to strengthen the attack after top-scoring for Barca Atletic last season, but the problem is that sporting director Deco is still struggling to clear the dead wood, including Clement Lenglet, who has returned from his loan spell at Aston Villa.
Barcelona did bank a combined €16m (£13.7m/$17.5m) from selling Julian Araujo and Marc Guiu, to Bournemouth and Chelsea, respectively, while Sergino Dest, Marcos Alonso and former captain Sergi Roberto have also all been removed from the salary bill.
However, while some supporters are still dreaming of reviving the Williams deal, it's wishful thinking at the minute. More exits are absolutely essential just to get Olmo on the field.
There's mounting talk that Frenkie de Jong could be sacrificed, with the Dutchman being once again linked with a reunion with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, while Barca are still trying to find new clubs for Ansu Fati and Vitor Roque, two young attackers that have been deemed surplus to requirements despite previously being touted as potential superstars.
GettyPre-season performances
After kicking-off the summer with a 1-0 win over Olot in Sant Joan Despi thanks to Pablo Torre, Barca enjoyed a morale-boosting tour of the United States.
Torre was on target again, along with Victor, in the 2-2 draw with English champions Manchester City, which ended with Barca triumphing 4-1 on penalties. An encouraging 2-1 win over Real Madrid followed, with Victor bagging both of his team's goals before a crowd of more than 82,000 fans at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Lewandowski then helped himself to a double of his own in the 2-2 draw with AC Milan, although on this occasion it was Barca's opponents who prevailed in the shootout, Kevin Zeroli converting the decisive spot-kick in a 4-3 success for the Rossoneri in Baltimore.
Given the encouraging nature of the Stateside results – and performances – it thus came as something of a surprise to see Barcelona convincingly beaten by Monaco in their final pre-season fixture. Flick's team conceded three second-half goals as the Blaugrana failed to lift the Joan Gamper Trophy for the first time since 2012, dampening enthusiasm ahead of Saturday's tricky trip to Mestalla.
GettyTalking tactics
Barcelona have long been associated with 4-3-3, but Flick's preferred formation is 4-2-3-1 and, based on what we've witnessed so far in pre-season, that's how they're likely to line up during the 2024-25 campaign.
Laporta has called for a stronger, fitter Barca, which is hardly surprising given how many injuries they suffered last season as well as their propensity to fade in the final stages of games, and the players will certainly need to be in peak physical condition if they're to implement Flick's famously intensive pressing game.
The German's teams usually enjoy the lion's share of possession, but the most striking aspect of his treble-winning Bayern Munich side was the way in which they played their way through teams with slick passes after winning the ball deep in opposition territory.
Barca certainly have plenty of high-energy, technically gifted players suited to this dynamic style of play, such as Gavi and Pedri, but it's worth remembering that both will miss the start of the season through injury, along with star centre-back Ronald Araujo.
There is also some doubt over whether Jules Kounde will flourish under Flick, given attacking is hardly the Frenchman's forte and full-backs are asked to provide plenty of width within the new coach's system.
Still, if Flick can get all of his best players on the field at the same time, Barca will be nothing if not exciting to watch, as his brand of football usually guarantees chances – at both ends of the field. New captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen could be a busy man, particularly in the opening few weeks of the new season.
