Numbers highlight Barcelona new fitness coach’s positive impact on team this season

Numbers highlight Barcelona new fitness coach’s positive impact on team this season Almost a month into the new season, and it is fair to admit that Barcelona have been the most dominant team in Europe so far. The Catalans have secured five wins in five matches across competitions, with the team being able to score at least five goals in four of those matches. Barcelona barely showed any signs of fatigue even when they faced Feyenoord in the midweek Champions League fixture, which is an indicator as to how the impact of new physical trainer Benjamin Kugel is kicking in. How Kugel formula is working for Barcelona As reported by SPORT , Barcelona’s spectacular start to the season can be credited to the influence of Kugel. Barcelona have looked fitter this season. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images) The German was recruited at the express request of Hansi Flick and arrived with very clear ideas. Initially, he could only work with the non-World Cup players, but the internationals have since joined up and, remarkably, in excellent condition. Kugel is said to be highly demanding, dedicating significant time to personalised plans designed to get the best out of each individual. The results have been striking, particularly given Flick had warned after pre-season that the team would not be at 100% until after the international break. If anything, Barcelona have exceeded expectations physically, brushing aside strong, powerful opponents with ease. The numbers that back it up Flick’s men have shown a higher physical level so far this season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) In the 5-1 win over Feyenoord, Barcelona covered 120 kilometres compared to their opponents’ 113.7, a difference that would often have been reversed in previous seasons. By contrast, Real Madrid ran 108.3 kilometres against Inter Milan, while Barcelona themselves managed just 112 in their Champions League exit to Atletico Madrid last season. According to Sofascore, Barcelona have won the physical battle in almost every match, taking 60% of duels against Elche, 56% against Rayo, 57% against Valencia and edging Feyenoord, with only Athletic Club narrowly coming out on top. If Barcelona are performing at this level before the break, Flick will be hoping for even more once his squad reaches full fitness. For now, though, Flick is focused on tomorrow’s game against Levante , where the team will be looking to make it six wins in six.