The 2024/25 season marks another year of transition for Barcelona. The golden era of Messi and Guardiola feels like a distant memory, and Xavi’s project, while promising, failed to return them to the pinnacle of European football. Frustrated by a lack of trophies (just one La Liga title) and questionable transfers, Xavi initially shocked the football world by announcing his departure at season’s end. However, a rollercoaster of emotions ensued as he first retracted his resignation, only to be ultimately dismissed by the board. This further highlighted the club’s wavering sporting strategy. There comes Hansi Flick.
The German coach arrives following a disappointing two-year stint with the national team. Yet, his past triumphs can’t be ignored. Flick masterminded an unprecedented sextuple with Bayern Munich in the 2019/20 season, a campaign that marked his first full year as a senior manager. After replacing Niko Kovač, he propelled the Bavarians to historic success.
Flick’s philosophy, built on attacking play and dominant possession, aligns perfectly with Barcelona’s DNA. However, questions remain. Can his winning mentality adapt to the club’s financial constraints and a young, talented squad? Will Hansi Flick seamlessly integrate into the Camp Nou environment and usher in a new era of dominance for Barcelona? This Football Manager simulation will explore these questions and chart a potential course for Flick’s Barcelona adventure.
A Promising Start but No Silverware
Hansi Flick’s first season at the helm of FC Barcelona was a tale of unfulfilled potential.
In the transfer market, Flick opted for a single reinforcement, bringing in Colombian wonderkid Christian Mosquera for €17.5 million. The decision to retain the existing squad reflected the club’s financial constraints and Flick’s belief in the potential of his young players.
The season began with a disappointing loss to Girona in the Supercopa de España semi-final. However, Barcelona bounced back to showcase their attacking prowess in the UEFA Champions League. They eliminated Athletic Bilbao and Paris Saint-Germain before succumbing to Inter Milan in the semi-final.
Domestically, the team’s inconsistency continued. A shock defeat to Elche in the Copa del Rey fourth round dashed hopes of cup glory. Despite the setbacks, Barcelona maintained their position as La Liga contenders, finishing second with 85 points, six behind arch-rivals Real Madrid.
While the lack of trophies may have dampened spirits, Flick’s first season laid a solid foundation for future success. His attacking philosophy resonated with the fans, and the development of young players provided a glimmer of hope for the future. As Barcelona embarks on the next chapter under Flick’s guidance, the quest for silverware will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of their minds.
First trophy for Hansi Flick
Hansi Flick’s second season at Barcelona was a tale of mixed results. While the German manager secured his first trophy with the club, it wasn’t the one fans were desperately yearning for.
The transfer window saw a significant investment, with €104 million spent on reinforcements. Joshua Zirkzee (€54m), Amar Dedić (€22.5m), Igoh Ogbu (€10.5m), and Raoul Bellanova (€16.75m) arrived to bolster the squad, while Eric Garcia departed for €15.75 million.
On the global stage, Barcelona’s journey ended in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup, where Chelsea proved too strong. However, they did manage to claim their first silverware under Flick. Barcelona won the Supercopa de España after defeating Real Madrid in the semi-final and Real Betis in the final.
The domestic cup competitions offered contrasting fortunes. The Copa del Rey produced another upset as Barcelona were knocked out by lower-league side Rayo Majadahonda in the third round. The Champions League campaign was also underwhelming. They failed to make it to the TOP8 in the league stage. The defeat against Ajax only added salt to the wound.
La Liga displayed a weird pattern. For the third consecutive season, Barcelona finished with 85 points. It was enough for only second place. Real Madrid won the title once again.
While securing the Supercopa represented a step forward in terms of silverware, Flick’s second season fell short of expectations. The upcoming season will be critical. Delivering either the La Liga title or the Champions League trophy will be crucial to solidify his long-term future at Barcelona.
On the right path?
Hansi Flick’s third season at the helm of Barcelona proved to be a triumphant one, marked by the club’s first major trophy under his leadership and a solidification of his influence.
The transfer window was marked by an aggressive approach. Experienced central defender Diego Carlos arrived on a free transfer, while Brian Brobbey (€45.5m) and Mason Greenwood (€43m) were brought in to bolster the attack. Interestingly, Amar Dedić, acquired the last summer, was already sold for €35.5 million, and all other signings from that transfer window went out on loan. Additionally, Jurrien Timber (€49.5m), Kieran Tierney (€31.5m), and Cheick Doucoure (€56m) bolstered the defense and midfield, while the loan signing of Morgan Gibbs-White provided further depth. This influx of talent provided Flick with an impressive arsenal of players.
The Supercopa campaign ended in disappointment with a semi-final defeat to Real Sociedad. However, Barcelona bounced back to claim the Copa del Rey. It was their second trophy under Flick, by defeating Real Valladolid in the final.
The Champions League campaign brought further frustration, with Manchester United knocked Barcelona out in the Round of 16. Despite a thrilling knockout round victory over Chelsea, it was a disappointing season.
The true triumph came in La Liga. Barcelona finally reclaimed their domestic crown. They finished the season with a dominant 93 points, a staggering 15 points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid. While there was no individual standout player, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres shared the team’s top scoring position with 15 goals each, just enough to crack the La Liga top ten scorers’ list.
Flick’s third season was a resounding confirmation of his philosophy and leadership. Winning La Liga, alongside the previous Supercopa and Copa del Rey titles, makes it a highly successful campaign for Barcelona. With three trophies in three years, Hansi Flick has instilled a winning mentality and set the stage for sustained dominance in Spain and a continued fight for European glory.
