After an underwhelming and trophy-less season in 2023-24, Barcelona opted to part ways with manager and club-legend Xavi Hernandez.
Their pursuit of a manager who believed in the project led them to Hansi Flick, and the club officially confirmed the German tactician’s appointment earlier this week.
Heading into the new season, it thus becomes imperative that Flick is given enough time to transmit his ideas to the squad and implement his style of play. The pre-season campaign will be essential on that front.
Barcelona’s pre-season schedule
As has been the case for the past two years, Barcelona will head to the United States of America for their preseason camp ahead of the 2024-25 season.
During their stay in America, the team will play three games over a span of a week in three different cities. Apart from the sporting aspect, the tour is essential for the club from a financial perspective as well.
The Blaugranas’ first game of the pre-season will kickoff on 30th July against Manchester City in Orlando. They will then head to New Jersey to take on Real Madrid for a pre-season Clasico on 3rd August.
The team’s final game in the USA will be at Baltimore on 6th August when they are scheduled to take on AC Milan.
Uncertain squad
Barcelona’s pre-season squad will depart for the USA on July 28th, two days before their first game.
Considering that the Euros and the Copa America end around the 14th of July, however, it is likely that many players who play deep into the tournament will be unavailable.
Further, the likes of Pau Cubarsi and Fermin Lopez have great chances of being called up to the Olympics as well, further reducing the probability of their availability for pre-season.
Nevertheless, the tour in America will be the first time fans get to see Flick’s Barcelona in action and it will be interesting to see if the manager opts to deploy any fancy ideas.
The club’s progress in the summer transfer window, needless to say, will also play a part.
