Villarreal manager Marcelino has expressed his surprise at the positive reception that Hansi Flick’s style of play is receiving at Barcelona.
It must be noted that Flick has made an impressive start to his career as the manager of Barcelona, delivering strong results and a sense of optimism among the Barça supporters.
His arrival has brought a noticeable impact on the team’s performance, and it has not taken long for praise to flow in for his fresh approach to the game.
Marcelino first acknowledged the improvements the club has made under Flick’s leadership, commenting on how the team has evolved since he took charge.
“It’s a Barça that runs a lot, a lot in total volume and intensity.
“If you run a lot and you also have very good players, a very specific game plan and you rely on favourable initial results, then it’s normal that you look like a machine,” said the Villarreal coach as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Marcelino is surprised
However, Marcelino was particularly intrigued by how Barça fans, traditionally known for favouring a possession-based style of football, are now embracing this new, more direct approach.
For years, Barcelona was synonymous with a patient, possession-heavy game, focused on building up play methodically. Flick’s Barcelona, however, has brought a more aggressive and fast-paced element to their tactics.
What has caught Marcelino off guard is how Barça fans are praising this change, despite their long-standing preference for a slower build-up.
“What surprises me is that the cules praise this style of play. It seems that there was a gene that was non-negotiable.
“Now we see that Barça has possession, but it has possession to attack you and kill you, and it attacks you and kills you again and again.
“It puts pressure on you when you lose the ball, as it did in other times, and is then capable of finishing,” he added.
In Marcelino’s view, this new style of play is a stark contrast to Barcelona’s traditional approach, but it’s clear that the results are speaking for themselves.
