FC Barcelona's first preseason opponent will be CE Europa in a closed-door friendly scheduled for Friday, July 24, at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
Ahead of the match, the club confirmed a coaching change: Aday Benítez stepped down as head coach, and Josep Maria Gené took over, as previously reported.
Gené was previously the sporting director and coached the reserve team last season. He has now taken the reins of the first team competing in Primera RFEF and led the first preseason trainings this week. Benítez's departure was already planned, with only the formal contract signing remaining.
After a week of training, Hansi Flick gave the players a day off on Sunday, with rest continuing until Monday. The friendly against CE Europa follows, after which the squad will travel to England for a training camp at St. George's Park.
