Confirmed: Barcelona announce new addition to Hansi Flick’s coaching staff

Confirmed: Barcelona announce new addition to Hansi Flick’s coaching staff FC Barcelona have officially announced that they have added German coach Benjamin Kugel to Hansi Flick’s backroom staff. He joins as the club’s new first-team fitness coach, taking over from Julio Tous, who has been moved to a new role within the Blaugrana system. “FC Barcelona has appointed Benjamin Kugel as the new fitness coach in Hansi Flick’s coaching staff,” the club statement read. “The German joins the club after an extensive career in European football and the international game.” Kugel has worked at clubs including Werder Bremen, 1. FC Koln, PSV Eindhoven, and most recently SL Benfica. He also spent a decade working with the German Football Association, where his paths coincided with Flick, when the current Barcelona head coach was Joachim Low’s assistant. They were both part of the staff in the Germany national team that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Kugel arrives at Barcelona after discontent grew over Julio Tous’ methods last season, with several players complaining to Flick. The repeated muscle injuries to some players, including Raphinha, who had multiple relapses, proved to the be the final straw. “FC Barcelona welcomes Benjamin Kugel and wishes him every success in this new chapter as a Barça coach,” the statement concluded.