Hansi Flick is inspired by Cruyffism, but he moulds it in his own way. The Barça coach has admitted on numerous occasions that he has studied the Dutchman's method and his influence is noticeable on the pitch. However, he has not forgotten the foundations of German football, based on counterattacks. The Heidelberg native has applied fusion cuisine to his Barça. The key ideas of 'El Flaco's' philosophy are mixed with high-calibre physical power. Thus, with a generation of golden boys at the helm, this team is a tactical evolution with classic roots.
After beating Valencia (7-1), the Blaugrana coach said that he "really likes" Johan's famous confession in which he said he would rather win 5-4 than 1-0. However, he admitted that against the Valencian team they did not want to "concede any goals". Despite Hugo Duro reducing the gap, Hansi explained that he really enjoyed the ambition of his pupils. The 'Dream Team' existed three decades ago, but the connection with the current FC Barcelona is palpable. An offensive game, based on possession and with a sublime tactical discipline, in addition to being led by La Masia.
The tactical links between Cruyff and Flick
Johan's great Barça had offensive ambition as an unrenounceable law. 'The Maestro' wanted to win above all else and, in his opinion, the way to have more chances of doing so was to be incisive. The defensive line was very advanced, formed on many occasions by 3 defenders of which there was a centre-back and two full-backs. However, when it came to charging, the forwards launched themselves into the attack and the closing was formed by the pivot and the only defender who stayed back. Likewise, the wings were fundamental in the Dutchman's notebook, with fast wingers who attacked the spaces aggressively. All this commanded by "intelligent midfielders, not racehorses".
Most of the aspects mentioned are present in Hans-Dieter Flick's FC Barcelona. On the one hand, the goalkeeper is required to be very involved in the game, something that Cruyff was unable to apply at the time. Similarly, the rearguard is made up of players who are experts at filtering passes to break lines, such as Cubarsí, Iñigo or Eric García. Raphinha is voracious in the gaps, as Stoichkov was in his day, and Lamine, although he is also good at attacking the backs of opposing defences, brings the quality and imbalance of the modern winger. The 'Dream Team' used Laudrup as a false nine, while now Lewandowski occupies that position, more of a finisher, although with associative qualities.
Just like three decades ago, there is a conductor in the centre of the field. Guardiola was the one from Amsterdam, while Pedri is the one who leads the way today. The Canary Islander has evolved a lot this season, finding a physical well-being that allows him to enhance his talent. Close to the base of the creation of the play, the '8' controls the tempo of the matches, as he knows how to discern the phases of these, defining whether it is necessary to apply a moderato or an allegro.
La Masia as a hallmark
The two times that Johan arrived at Barça, once as a player and once as a coach, he changed the mentality of the club and the fans. He oriented the previously defeatist spirits towards the desire for victory. As a technical director, he did so with footballers with an extreme understanding of the game. However, 'The Maestro' needed his men's hunger for titles to never be satisfied, so he used to restructure the squad. The youth team was Cruyff's great ally in this regard, as the youngsters were thirsty for glory.
The case of Hansi Flick also has many similarities in this regard. Although Xavi Hernández had managed to get FC Barcelona to compete and the fans to regain their enthusiasm, last year it was not like that. The culés felt disappointed, especially hurt by the Champions League wound against PSG. The German arrived and restored confidence in the city of Barcelona. In the same way, he took advantage of a generation of youngsters that had already been brought to the fore by his predecessor and added others, such as Casadó or Bernal, to the equation.
Thus, the project led by the German coach has very strong links with the past. Who would have said that someone from outside would have to come to show the brand of the house again. Football never stops evolving and this Barça has shades of current trends, it is logical, but the essence is there, beating strongly. Flick's fusion cuisine has worked and, when tasting the dish, a clear tactical evolution with classic roots can be appreciated.