Former Barcelona defender believes Hansi Flick’s team could become one of the most influential in club history

Former Barcelona defender believes Hansi Flick’s team could become one of the most influential in club history Barcelona’s extraordinary start to the 2026-27 season has earned widespread praise, with the Catalan club looking unstoppable across all competitions. Former Blaugrana defender Damia Abella believes Hansi Flick’s side have the potential to leave a lasting mark on the club’s history. Abella sees something special in Flick’s Barcelona According to SPORT , Abella, who currently works on Fiorentina’s coaching staff, praised Barcelona’s playing style in an interview with Flashscore ahead of the Catalans’ meeting with Real Betis. “Alongside PSG and Bayern, they are the team I enjoy watching most right now,” Abella said. He highlighted Barcelona’s ability to play at tremendous speed without abandoning the technical principles that have traditionally defined the club. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona have been a joy to watch. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images) The former defender particularly admired their aggressive defending, willingness to take risks and ability to combine entertaining football with efficiency. “This Barcelona under Flick is a team that can earn a place in Barcelona’s history as a reference point,” he explained. “If they manage to win something really important, I think they will become a benchmark, a transformative team.” Abella also praised the squad’s balance, highlighting the blend of exceptional academy talent and strategic signings. A Barcelona side developing its own identity Barcelona have produced several iconic teams, most notably under Pep Guardiola, whose positional play influenced an entire generation of coaches. Flick’s side are developing a different identity, built around rapid transitions, relentless pressing and an unusually aggressive defensive line. Hansi Flick will know his team will ultimately be judged by the Champions League. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images) Rather than simply recreating Barcelona’s past, the German coach has combined the club’s technical quality with a more direct, physically demanding approach. That evolution is arguably the most encouraging aspect of the project. Barça have started brilliantly, but this is just the beginning. Flick will know the importance of maintaining that intensity and quality throughout the season. Barça’s season will ultimately be judged by what they do in the Champions League. Their next test comes against PSG next week. It remains to be seen whether the Catalans can make a statement to the rest of Europe at the Parc des Princes.