Julio Tous shifts role in Barcelona’s physical preparation, focusing on youth

Julio Tous, who served as the head of physical preparation for FC Barcelona’s first team over the past two seasons, is transitioning to a new role within the club. Rather than working with the senior squad, he will now focus on the physical development of players in the reserve team and Juvenil A, as well as supporting other sports departments. This move reflects a restructuring in the club’s sports performance management.

The decision to reassign Tous came after months of deliberation and differences over training methodologies with head coach Hansi Flick. While Tous' work helped some first-team players reach peak form, there were tensions in the squad, and Flick preferred to have a trusted confidant manage physical preparation for the senior side. As a result, Holger Broich, a longtime collaborator of Flick from Bayern Munich, was appointed as the new head of physical preparation for the first team.

Broich’s arrival underscores Flick’s intention to strengthen control over the training process with a staff member whose approach aligns closely with his own. Broich played a key role in Bayern’s Champions League triumph in 2020 and managed the team’s physical regimen during the difficult pandemic lockdowns, earning a strong reputation for his demanding yet effective sessions.

Meanwhile, Tous—who boasts experience with Juventus, Chelsea, and the Italian national team—will direct his expertise to nurturing young talents transitioning between youth and professional levels. Additionally, he will contribute to other sports branches within the club, signaling a more comprehensive approach towards athlete preparation across different disciplines.

Over time, this reorganization is expected to enhance the efficiency and depth of the club’s sporting divisions by strengthening youth development pipelines and creating better support for athletes advancing to senior ranks. Tous retains significant influence within the club, now applying his methods where they can yield the greatest impact, while making room for a leader trusted by the first-team coach.