Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s meticulous manager, expressed frustration to Joan Laporta over a chaotic start to the team’s Asian pre-season tour.
FC Barcelona embarked on their Asian pre-season tour with high expectations, landing in Kobe, Japan, for their first training session at the Noevir Stadium.
The session marked the debut of the squad’s three new signings—goalkeeper Joan Garcia and forwards Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji—under the guidance of manager Hansi Flick.
The team is gearing up for a friendly against Vissel Kobe, the current J1 League leaders, on Sunday. However, the tour’s start has been far from smooth, with logistical issues casting a shadow over preparations.
Reports from Diario Sport highlight a tense exchange between Flick and club president Joan Laporta before the training session.
Flick, known for his meticulous approach, expressed frustration over the chaotic circumstances surrounding the tour.
Just days ago, Barcelona announced it would cancel its Japan trip due to a breach of contract by the tour organizers.
Intervention from Rakuten was necessary to resolve the issue, but the resolution came at a cost.
The team’s travel plans were delayed, forcing a rushed journey that left the squad fatigued and disrupted Flick’s carefully planned preparations for the pre-season.
The squad, consisting of 30 players including youth prospects and the new signings, arrived in Kobe just in time for training.
The session, which began at 11:00 Spanish time, was attended by Laporta, vice-president Rafa Yuste, Enric Masip, and Alejandro Echevarria.
Despite the presence of club leadership, Flick’s concerns were evident as he discussed the situation with Laporta, who offered explanations for the disruptions.
The team now faces the challenge of adapting to a tight schedule, with their first pre-season match looming within 24 hours of their arrival.
As Barcelona prepares to face Vissel Kobe, Flick will aim to refocus his squad and integrate the new players effectively.
The club’s Asian tour, which also includes stops in South Korea, is a critical step in building momentum for the upcoming season, but this rocky start underscores the importance of seamless planning for a team with high ambitions.
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