Barcelona begin a new chapter under Hansi Flick this season as they chase a third consecutive La Liga title and aim to end their long wait for Champions League success.
Flick guided the Catalan club to a second straight league crown in his second campaign, but his third season brings major changes to the squad. Barcelona will open their La Liga campaign away to Elche on Sunday, one day after Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid face Espanyol in Barcelona.
“We have an incredible team, with a lot of quality,” Flick told supporters ahead of Barcelona’s final pre-season friendly against Al Ahly. “We are ready to work hard day after day and to fight for all the titles.”
Barcelona’s most significant signing is Spain captain Rodri, who has joined from Manchester City.
The 30-year-old World Cup winner brings leadership, control and defensive security to a Barcelona side that has been outstanding in attack but vulnerable at the back since Flick’s arrival in 2024.
Barcelona were unwilling to miss the opportunity to sign Rodri, particularly with Real Madrid also linked with the midfielder before he chose a move to Catalonia.
“I’m here to compete for everything, for big things like the Champions League,” Rodri said after his presentation.
The former Manchester City midfielder is expected to be central to Barcelona’s hopes of becoming more balanced, while his experience of winning major honours could prove vital in their bid for a first Champions League title since 2015.
Barcelona’s domestic dominance will face a stronger challenge from Real Madrid, who have invested heavily in the transfer market and brought Mourinho back to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, a period that intensified one of football’s greatest rivalries. His return gives Los Blancos an experienced and confrontational figure capable of increasing the pressure on Barcelona and Flick.
Barcelona have held the advantage over their rivals in recent seasons, but retaining the title will be a significant test as Mourinho looks to restore Real Madrid to the top of Spanish football.
Flick must also reshape an attack that has been one of Barcelona’s greatest strengths.
Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres have both departed, leaving a major gap in the forward line. New signings Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi offer pace, intensity and pressing ability, making them natural fits for Flick’s aggressive style.
However, Barcelona still need to decide whether to sign a specialist centre-forward before the transfer window closes.
Their move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez failed, leaving the club without an obvious replacement for Lewandowski.
“What Ferran did we can cover with the signings, but what Robert did is more difficult,” sporting director Deco said.
“We have internal solutions but we will make another move, we’ll try and find the best solution.”
Barcelona could choose a more affordable attacking option and preserve funds for next summer after spending heavily on Rodri and Gordon.
Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Gordon and Adeyemi can all play as false nines, giving Flick flexibility if the club are unable to secure a new striker.
Teenage star Lamine Yamal remains the central figure in Barcelona’s attack.
The 19-year-old is already the player around whom Barcelona’s ambitions are built, despite injuries and off-field concerns affecting the early part of his previous campaign.
If Rodri provides the defensive stability Barcelona have lacked and Flick finds enough goals from his reshaped attack, the champions have the quality to retain the La Liga title.
But with Mourinho back at Real Madrid and the Champions League firmly on Barcelona’s agenda, Flick’s side face a demanding season on every front.
