Hansi Flick tells Laporta: Next season league will be easier, Madrid will struggle.

 Having just celebrated his first league title with FC Barcelona, head coach Hansi Flick has sent an optimistic message to club president Joan Laporta during a recent visit to Bilbao. "The next league will be easier, Madrid will suffer," Flick confidently stated, highlighting his belief in Barça's potential for the upcoming season.


Flick is acutely aware that the management of player rest and the preseason schedule will be crucial in determining the outcome of the next league campaign. He is convinced that FC Barcelona holds a significant advantage in this regard.

The reasoning behind his confidence is straightforward: while Barça players are already on vacation and calmly planning their preseason, Real Madrid faces a demanding schedule ahead. From June 14 to July 13, Los Blancos will participate in the new FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament that will require coach Xabi Alonso to push his starting players to their limits once again.

Flick is certain that the accumulation of matches will take its toll on Madrid. "No player can perform at 100% without a proper preseason. That's where titles are built, and fatigue doesn't forgive," he reportedly told his inner circle. This emphasis on a well-structured preseason is vital for reaping rewards in the critical months of April and May.

Meanwhile, FC Barcelona has already concluded its season, allowing players to enjoy a more relaxed summer. The coaching staff has devised a comprehensive and demanding preseason plan aimed at adjusting tactical concepts and integrating new signings. The goal is to start the season with fresh legs and a clear mindset.

In contrast, Real Madrid will enter the new season exhausted. Their campaign has been a roller coaster of matches, including the Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Super Cups. The upcoming international tournament will see key players like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, Eduardo Camavinga, and Federico Valverde playing every possible minute, leaving them with minimal rest and predictable consequences.

However, Flick acknowledges that not everything will be straightforward for Barça. The ongoing reconstruction of Spotify Camp Nou poses a challenge, as it is expected that the first two or three home matches will need to be played away from home. The completion of the first phase of renovations by mid-August remains uncertain, presenting a temporary handicap that will need to be managed.

Despite these challenges, the reality is that FC Barcelona will begin the season with a structural advantage over their main rival. While Real Madrid accumulates miles and minutes, Flick's new Barça will be meticulously preparing for the season ahead. For the German coach, this preparation could make a significant difference from the very first matchday.

As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how these factors play out in the battle for the La Liga title. With Flick at the helm and a well-planned preseason, FC Barcelona is poised to make a strong push for success in the upcoming campaign.

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