Hansi Flick’s first 100 days at FC Barcelona went smoothly and full of success. The German manager won four out of four opening games in La Liga. Barca looked like a completely different team from last season as they played with a higher defensive line and pressed more aggressively. Common statistics like possession, passes, and recoveries were not too different from last season, however, it was obvious that the team was going through a revolution. Barca went on to dominate domestic and European football.
A setback and a test for Flick
Just when the footballing world thought Barca was unstoppable La Liga teams started to come up with ideas against Flick’s tactics. Barca only won two La Liga games during December and January and gave away a ten-point lead over their arch-rivals Real Madrid. These results included the 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid where Pedri’s masterclass was wasted.
How Flick adapted and improvised
The German manager did not intend to bow out of the title race and made amendments to get the team back on the winning track. Flick disciplined his men to press more intensely and launch swift counterattacks as soon as the ball was won back. The German manager told Pedri to “dominate the midfield” as he knew his greatness as a number 6 midfielder. Barca went back to winning games again in La Liga and now Flick has regained his position on the top of the table.
