Barcelona is about to start the 2025–26 season in a confident mood after a loud comeback last season and an unbeaten pre-season that included a dominant Asia tour and a convincing Joan Gamper Trophy win.
Hansi Flick’s first year brought a domestic treble consisting of the LaLiga title, Spanish Super Cup and the Copa Del Rey, and a deepest champions league run in nearly a decade.
But the expectations are now higher as the German coach had a full summer break to refine his methods. There are early signs that the team is now pressing with greater intensity and attacking with sharper combinations.
Supporters believe this could be the year the club wrestle back the champions league to the Spotify Camp Nou.
The bar for success is clear: Anything short of sustaining the previous domestic run or an early elimination in the Champions League would feel like a step backwards, especially after the investment in squad depth. Flick’s philosophy has taken root, but he must now prove it can deliver trophies at the highest level.
There are, however, questions to answer. The departure of Iñigo Martínez late in the window leaves Barcelona light in central defence. Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen will shoulder much of the burden of filling his space and with depth thin, this could be easily exposed against elite opponents.
The club’s registration issues have also delayed the inclusion of key arrivals, including Marcus Rashford, who is on loan from Manchester United, and new goalkeeper Joan García from Espanyol. Resolving those matters swiftly is crucial if Barcelona are to carry their pre-season momentum into competitive fixtures.
Rashford, the headline signing, offers pace, directness, and flexibility in the front line. His ability to play across the attack should ease the load on Robert Lewandowski, whose output has dipped in recently. García, meanwhile, is seen as a long-term successor to Marc-André ter Stegen and is now considered the team’s first goalkeeper.
On the pitch, Flick has introduced subtle tactical tweaks. The press is higher and more coordinated, with the front three and midfield pushing in unison to win the ball quickly. Full-backs are advancing more aggressively, creating width while the midfielders rotate to find vertical passing lanes. Fermín López has impressed in pre-season, offering energy and creativity alongside Pedri. While Lamine Yamal continues his rapid rise as one of the team’s most dangerous outlets.
Flick’s main challenge will be maintaining intensity over a long campaign, especially with the physical demands of his style. If injuries strike or key players fail to adapt quickly; Rashford, possibly, the team could lose rhythm. But if Barcelona can stay healthy, integrate their signings, and strengthen before the market closes, they have every chance of turning the pre-season promise into a season of genuine contention.
Predicted XI for the opening match:
Joan García; Jules Koundé, Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde; Pedri Gonzalez, Frenkie De Jong, Fermín López; Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, (or Marcus Rashford, if registered), Raphinha.
Written by Pejuola Ransome
INMR FOOTBALL 
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