Hansi Flick gives Barcelona squad a day off after heavy workload

Hansi Flick gives Barcelona squad a day off after heavy workload As repored by AS , FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick cancelled Thursday’s scheduled training session, giving the players a much-needed break. The rest day comes after the Blaugrana’s final pre-season match on Wednesday as they beat Egyptian club Al Ahly 2-1 in the Joan Gamper Trophy match at the Spotify Camp Nou. A necessary break One of Flick’s main objectives for this season, set when the previous campaign ended, was to improve the squad’s physical condition. The German’s plan had two main aims: increase the team’s endurance and reduce the muscle injuries that plagued the Barcelona dressing room last season. That is why he brought in renowned German fitness coach Benjamin Kugel, who had already worked with him, as a new member of his coaching staff, while also revamping much of the fitness and physical recovery team. No training today. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Kugel pushing the players The work seen in Kugel’s training sessions so far has been extremely demanding. The objective is for the team to reach peak condition in the spring, when the major trophies are decided. But the price is being paid now, with the squad feeling the effects of a rigorous physical programme. That is why, after the Gamper Trophy game against Al Ahly, Flick decided to cancel Thursday’s scheduled training session and give his players a day off, allowing them to recover before beginning their La Liga campaign on Sunday in Elche. The fatigue from the training sessions was visible in players such as Lamine Yamal, while others, such as Pedri, have been following a specific preparation programme to return to full fitness. Barcelona’s new fitness coach Benjamin Kugel. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images) Players including Pau Cubarsi and Gavi have also been rested for individual matches as the coaching staff manages the workload imposed by the demanding programme set by new fitness coach Kugel. As such, there was no training for the players today, with sessions expected to resume tomorrow as Barcelona kickstart final preparations for the start of their La Liga campaign. The first match of the season will see the reigning champions travel to Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero to take on Elche.