Barcelona has finalized the signing of a new German fitness coach, personally trusted by Hansi Flick, to strengthen the coaching staff ahead of the 2027/28 season.
The unnamed specialist has previously worked with Flick, and the contract is agreed, pending final approval by the club. It is confirmed he is not Holger Broich, who had worked with Flick at Bayern Munich and declined the Barcelona role.
This appointment follows recurring muscle injury issues during the current season. Notably, Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury relapse before October’s first league Clasico. Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde also faced muscle injuries in March during the Copa del Rey comeback against Atletico Madrid, with Frenkie de Jong encountering muscular problems shortly before.
These injury concerns led Flick to request changes in the physical preparation department.
Julio Tous, the former first-team fitness coach, has been reassigned within the club to oversee the physical development of Barça Atlètic players and promising U19 prospects, readying them for first-team football.
The new German coach will work alongside existing fitness staff Pepe Conde, Rafa Maldonado, and German Fernandez.
Additionally, since last season ended, Hansi Flick’s coaching team lost analyst Stephan Nopp and former Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
The first-team squad is scheduled to return for pre-season training on July 13, when Flick and his revamped staff will begin preparations for the new campaign.
