After a successful first season with FC Barcelona, Hansi Flick’s second campaign in charge has been quite rough in comparison. With many issues, even from before the start of the official campaign, the team has simply not clicked so far.
Interestingly, however, the issues that the team and the coaching staff have faced so far in this second season go beyond just the injuries. Fortunately, SPORT has decided to highlight some of the more significant ones.
1: The Spotify Camp Nou Delay
BARCELONA, SPAIN - A view of Spotify Camp Nou.
Photo Courtesy: The official website of FC Barcelona
One of the biggest frustrations for Flick and the club has been the continued delay in returning to the Camp Nou. What was meant to be a celebratory homecoming season for both the team and the fans has instead turned into a prolonged wait.
Initially expected to reopen in August, the target date was then moved to September, then October, and is now projected for late November. At that point, phase two of construction should allow around 45,000 supporters to attend matches.
Although Flick has not publicly criticised the situation, it is widely understood that the uncertainty surrounding the team’s return to their spiritual home has affected morale. His professionalism has been evident, but such an unstable backdrop can hardly help the squad’s consistency or focus.
2: The Pre-Season Tour Confusion
Barcelona’s pre-season tour was another major source of frustration. What should have been a carefully planned and productive preparation period turned into a logistical nightmare.
Disputes with organisers led to sudden cancellations and rescheduling, creating unnecessary confusion and fatigue among players and staff. For a coach who values structure and meticulous planning, this kind of disruption was far from ideal.
3: The Departure of Inigo Martinez
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - JANUARY 12: Inigo Martinez of FC Barcelona celebrates with the Supercopa de Espana winners' trophy during the trophy presentation after the Spanish Super Cup Final between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona at King Abdullah Sports City on January 12, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
Perhaps the most painful setback of all was the unexpected departure of Inigo Martinez. The Spanish defender had been central to Flick’s defensive system last season and was one of the leaders in the dressing room.
His exit, which came suddenly after the Asian tour, left a major void that the team has yet to fill. Flick had built his backline around Martinez and Pau Cubarsi, and since the former’s departure, he has struggled to find a stable and balanced defensive pairing.
The absence of a reliable centre-back partnership has visibly impacted the team’s performances, with Barcelona appearing less secure and more exposed at the back compared to the previous season.
4: The Transfer Uncertainty Around Young Players
During the summer, speculation regarding the futures of Fermin Lopez and Marc Casado caused further distraction. Both players are highly valued by Flick, who considers them essential to his long-term project.
However, rumours of potential sales persisted right up to deadline day, creating unnecessary anxiety for the young talents and affecting the overall calm within the dressing room.
5: Injuries Continue to Hamper Progress
Injuries have once again taken their toll on the team, adding to Flick’s list of concerns. Several key players, including Joan Garcia, Gavi, Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, and Alejandro Balde, have spent significant time on the sidelines.
The loss of Gavi for several months was particularly damaging, as his intensity and drive have been central to Barcelona’s playing style.
Compared to last season, when the squad remained largely fit and cohesive, the current campaign has been marked by repeated interruptions that have prevented Flick from maintaining tactical continuity.
6: The Problem of Egos at Barcelona
Beyond tactical or physical challenges, internal attitudes have also become a point of concern. Flick himself has publicly addressed the issue of egos within the team, reminding players that collective effort must come before individual ambition.
After the Vallecas match, he made it clear that certain behaviours were not acceptable, signalling his frustration with what he perceives as a decline in commitment and unity compared to last season.
This public stance surprised some observers, but it reflects Flick’s determination to restore discipline and balance within a squad that has lost some of its competitive edge.
Looking Ahead
Despite the turbulent start, Flick remains confident that the situation can still be turned around. There is ample time left in the season for Barcelona to recover both form and confidence.
The coach continues to work on stabilising his defence, restoring fitness levels, and rebuilding the team’s collective mentality.
However, the challenges he faces are significant. Between the ongoing stadium delays, the earlier chaos of the pre-season tour, the defensive instability, and the internal issues within the squad, Flick’s second year at Barcelona has been far more complicated than anyone could have expected.
Yet if there is one quality that has defined Flick throughout his career, it is his persistence. For both him and Barcelona, the coming months will be decisive in determining whether this rough patch becomes a temporary setback or a defining moment in the club’s long-term rebuild.