The build-up to Barcelona’s next La Liga outing has taken on extra intrigue as Hansi Flick continues shaping his squad during a crucial phase of the season.
Supporters have been keeping a close eye on training as injuries, rotation, and tactical tweaks dominate discussion ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.
With competition for starting spots intensifying, every session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper has carried increased importance.
The club are also balancing shorter-term match preparation with long-term player management, ensuring key individuals remain sharp without risking overload.
As anticipation for Saturday’s clash against Athletic Club grows, attention briefly shifted away from team selection and onto unexpected developments off the pitch.
The main story from Barcelona’s training ground was the authorised absence of Marcus Rashford, who did not take part in today’s session due to personal reasons but is expected back on Friday as planned.
His short break came as the squad continued their tactical drills for the upcoming match, though his situation wasn’t the only headline-maker at the Ciutat Esportiva.
A surprise arrival stole the spotlight when former Bayern Munich and Germany defender Jerome Boateng appeared at Barcelona’s facilities.
According to SPORT, the 37-year-old, who has been without a club since ending his spell with LASK in Austria, has been granted permission to use the training complex over the coming days to maintain his fitness levels.
Although he is not officially retired, Boateng is currently in a transitional phase of his career, weighing up what comes next.
His presence in Catalonia is no coincidence.
Jerome Boateng previously played under Hansi Flick at Bayern Munich, and their professional relationship has remained strong.
Flick has now opened the doors for the seasoned centre-back to work on his conditioning using Barcelona’s pitches and facilities.
Only a few weeks ago, Boateng was close to rejoining Bayern Munich, not as a player, but as part of their coaching structure, where he hoped to begin his managerial journey.
However, the proposed return collapsed after intense fan backlash linked to his past, including his conviction last year for causing bodily harm to his former partner, a charge he has consistently denied.
For now, Boateng remains a free agent and has yet to formally announce his retirement.
While he decides on the next chapter of his footballing life, the German veteran will continue using Barcelona’s training environment to stay in shape, offering Flick a familiar face around the camp as the club prepares for a pivotal league fixture.
📍 Jerome Boateng ha acudido esta mañana a entrenar a la Ciutat Esportiva
El exfutbolista ha coincidido con Hansi Flick antes del entrenamiento y utilizará las instalaciones del club unos días
🎥 @monfortcarlos pic.twitter.com/FiOltqPGSz
— Diario SPORT (@sport) November 20, 2025
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