Barcelona’s youth academy has done a tremendous job when it comes to supplying the first team with players who have gone on to make a breakthrough at the highest level of football.
However, a concerning trend is emerging as far as this transition is concerned. Oftentimes, players who are a part of the first team have a great disparity with Barça Atletic players, especially in terms of strength.
This is something that has left Hansi Flick concerned, and the German is looking to change things up this summer.
Barcelona identify weakness at Barça Atletic
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barça have indeed identified a major physical gap between the reserve team and the first team.
When players from Barça Atletic are called up to reinforce the senior squad, the difference in strength and power has limited their impact and Flick’s trust in using them in key situations.
Hansi Flick wants to rely more on Barça Atletic players. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
To address this issue, the club are now looking to reinforce its fitness structure. A strength specialist will be appointed to work under Julio Tous and focus specifically on the reserve team, ensuring their physical training aligns with first-team standards.
The goal is to replicate the first team’s physical routines at the reserve level, preparing players like Jofre Torrents, Landry, Jan Virgili, Diarra, and ‘Dro’ for high-level competition.
Additionally, the club want to ensure that Barça Atletic mirrors the playing style of Hansi Flick’s team.
With Juliano Belletti now in charge and enjoying a good relationship with Deco, there is growing optimism that tactical alignment can be achieved.
Should Barcelona manage to find a solution, Flick will be able to count on more Barça Atletic players, especially in the event of an injury crisis at the club.