Barcelona concluded their second season under Hansi Flick with several important takeaways and a clear to-do list of five key areas to improve. The primary task is to restore attacking sharpness, noticeably weakened compared to the previous year, and eliminate defensive lapses that still give opponents an edge.
Comparing the statistics of Flick’s first two seasons reveals a clear decline in goal scoring: 174 goals were scored in his debut year, while last season the team managed 145. This drop largely reflects a downturn in the performances of key attackers Lewandowski and Raphinha. The Polish striker’s goal tally nearly halved, while the Brazilian forward also saw a dip, combining for 36 fewer goals season-on-season.
Defensively, Barcelona conceded 63 goals, with 37 coming in the first half alone, creating serious early-match problems. A particularly worrying stat is the number of goals allowed from set pieces — ten conceded from corners this season, which is worse than last year. Also concerning has been the team’s troubles when playing with ten men: red cards in crucial games led to significant defeats and loss of control.
First, the attack needs to become aggressive and effective again. Losing almost a third of goals from main scorers is a warning sign, reflecting not only individual dips but also potential tactical issues in attack. Recruiting a striker capable of scoring consistently will be a cornerstone of Barcelona’s transfer strategy.
Second, poor opening-game concentration heavily complicates Flick’s job. Being forced to chase games after early goals conceded is unacceptable at top-level competition, especially in the Champions League. Solid defensive organization and mental readiness from the first whistle will be crucial to avoid early setbacks.
Third, the problem with defending set pieces signals that the team must increase defensive focus during corners and free kicks. These are strategic vulnerabilities that opponents have exploited and cannot be ignored in training and match preparation.
Fourth, mastering play while a man down must be prioritized. Tactical adjustments and psychological resilience during red-card situations will allow Barça to weather difficult moments and maintain control.
Fifth, the record-high number of muscle injuries negatively impacted squad stability. Reviewing fitness staff and optimizing player recovery will help keep key players available and sustain competitive performance.
Looking ahead, these adjustments are essential steps for Barcelona to genuinely contend for Europe’s top club trophy. Flick has begun serious work, and with the next season and transfer window approaching, all efforts will focus on swiftly addressing these weaknesses.
In sum, this list represents a clear action plan based on the team’s actual issues. Only by resolving these can Barcelona realize Flick’s ambitions and get closer to coveted European glory.
