Hansi Flick’s arrival at Barca has been more like a philosophy reset than just a change in tactics. However, the German has been widely influenced by Joachim Low, a world cup-winning coach. Flick served as Low’s assistant for years and learned much from his fellow German tactician. This article will dive into how Low’s legacy could be why Barca’s future is redefined.
Low Trusted Youth as Much as Star Power
Joachim Low was huge better in youth’s talent. Let’s rewind back to 2010: 20-year-old Thomas Muller and 21-year-old Ozil became the German national team’s midfield heart. Low trusted them and developed them into German legends who ultimately won ultimate glory.
It significantly influenced Flick, as the German has also shown enormous trust in young La Masia stars. Gavi, Yamal, Fermin, Balde: Flick has made these prospects a symbol of his coaching philosophy. Flick learned from Low that whenever youth are given the ticket of trust, they play fearlessly. So if Low could win a World Cup with kids, why can’t Flick win the UCL with this Barca?
The Low Lesson That Could Reshape Barca’s Identity
Tiki-Taka has been Barca’s religion, and total football has always been the Barca way. But even the most devout sometimes need to adapt. Low mastered this and modernized 2010 Germany who were possession masters into counter attacking assassins in 2014. Flick closely followed all this evolution by serving as Low’s assistant coach.
Flick has implemented a similar strategy at Barca but with a beautiful balance. The possession-based system is still observed, but the game has become much faster-paced. Attacking football has returned, and the Barca DNA has started to coexist with modern football.
Learning from Low’s Mistakes to Avoid Barca’s Downfall
With all Low’s success and good points, Flick must also learn from Low’s errors with the German team. Low’s late era in Germany was chaotic, and Flick should take notes. Low clinged to the stars he had created, even when they started aging and losing charisma. He showed rigidity in tactics, and Flick must not repeat the same with Barca.
Low’s ending years in Germany are a cautionary tale for Flick, who has enjoyed decent success with Barca until now. However, if things start getting bad, Flick should be flexible and not repeat Low’s inflexibility with tactics because Low’s stubbornness doomed Germany.