A German coach has officially become part of the Barcelona staff, adding fresh ideas and tactical knowledge to Hansi Flick’s backroom team.
Following a campaign marred by several disruptive, recurring muscular injuries to key squad members—including multiple frustrating relapses for Raphinha—the Catalan board has prioritized upgrading their physical conditioning methodologies.
In a bid to maximize player longevity and optimize athletic performance on the pitch, sporting director Deco has finalized a definitive internal adjustment.
Former first-team fitness supervisor Julio Tous will be transitioning into a newly formed Sports Performance Optimisation Department to oversee the club’s wider professional operations.
The highly credentialed physical conditioning mastermind filling this crucial vacancy is Benjamin Kugel.
FC Barcelona officially confirmed his appointment to Flick’s technical staff this week, securing a trusted and deeply familiar figure within German football circles.
The 46-year-old sports scientist brings an incredibly extensive pedigree to Catalonia, having previously overseen fitness regimes at prestigious European institutions such as Werder Bremen, FC Köln, PSV Eindhoven, and most recently, SL Benfica.
Crucially, Kugel spent nearly a decade serving the German Football Association, meaning his professional path has aligned directly with Flick before.
The two experts were core structural pieces of Joachim Löw’s backroom staff during Germany’s triumphant 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Kugel will integrate into a revamped performance department, operating closely alongside Pepe Conde, Rafa Maldonado, and German Fernandez.
By reinforcing the technical staff with proven, world-class sports science expertise, Barcelona’s leadership has sent a clear message regarding squad readiness.
With pre-season training scheduled to kick off on July 13, Kugel will assume full operational control of the first team’s conditioning, laying down the physiological foundations necessary to sustain a fierce, multi-competition title charge.
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