The Road to Redemption: Understanding Barcelona's Return to Glory

How Hansi Flick’s tactics, key players, and mental shifts have fueled FC Barcelona’s revival. 

Just last season it felt as if FC Barcelona had completely fallen apart. From getting knocked out of the UCL by PSG to finishing 10 points behind Real Madrid in the La Liga, all hope seemed lost. A club once feared across the world had become just a shadow of its former self. But, this season, something has changed. Barcelona is rising again. What sparked this change?

Barcelona’s comeback has not happened by luck. It took a change of tactics, players stepping up, and a shift in mentality for them to get here. So, let’s dive into what has changed since last season and how FC Barcelona has become a threat once again.

Factor 1: A Change in Managers
At the start of this season FC Barcelona parted ways with their manager Xavi and signed a new manager, Hansi Flick. Considering the fact Hansi Flick coached the only other team to win a sextuple he seemed like the perfect person to start Barça’s revival.

From the first game of the season to now Hansi Flick has proved himself as a great manager. The reason for this is a different tactical approach. Xavi usually used a 4-3-3 formation whereas Flick uses a 4-2-3-1 formation which suites the players more. Flick’s 4-2-3-1 suits Barça better because every player is doing what they do best. While a traditional 4-3-3 formation is more balanced, a 4-2-3-1 allows players like Pedri and Frenkie de Jong to be pivots which in my eyes is better for the team.

Hansi Flick has also turned FC Barcelona into an attacking machine. They are now more focused on getting the ball forward rather than defence tactics like parking the bus. Hansi Flick’s style of play has made Barcelona more unpredictable and threatening in the final third.

Hansi Flick Joining FC Barcelona

Factor 2: Players Stepping Up

The credit shouldn't go completely to Hansi though as many players have made a big impact on the team. One case of this is Raphinha. His transformation from last season is incredible. He went from the fans wanting to sell him to the best player in the world. 

The players are all over the pitch, in a good way. They do more than what is expected from them. The key to this success? Team chemistry.

It is not just Raphinha with stand out performances, but it is the whole team. The players have gotten better since last season, using all the comments they receive as fuel to their fires.

Before this season, many people doubted FC Barcelona. Without many big-name superstars, only Culers believed in Barcelona being able to compete at the highest level. However, this team has silenced all doubters by proving a well-connected squad is much better than having a team full with superstars. FC Barcelona has proved that football is not just about talent— it’s about teamwork, trust, and execution. 

Raphinha with his UCL Player Of The Match Award

Factor 3: A Better Mentality
Football isn’t just about tactics it is about mentality, resilience, and belief. FC Barcelona’s comeback is a perfect example of how a winning mentality can transform a team.

Last season, Barcelona struggled under pressure. Barcelona simply could not perform in big games. This season no matter the score or the team Barça give it their all until the final whistle blows. This mentality has helped them complete many comebacks this season such as Benfica 4-5 Barcelona and Atletico Madrid 2-4 Barcelona.

As the team's mentality gets better so does their work rate and intensity. FC Barcelona have seriously adapted the never give up mentality and it shows. The players press harder, track back faster, and never give up on lost balls.

Finally, the squad’s mentality as a whole has improved. Players are giving it their all no matter the scoreline or the time remaining. The older and more experienced players have taken up leadership roles at the club while the youngsters have been playing with confidence. This Barça squad isn’t playing for individual trophies— they are playing for the club, the fans, and the badge. That mentality is what makes all the difference.

FC Barcelona's 4-5 comeback over Benfica

FC Barcelona’s journey back to the top has been nothing short of incredible. With Hansi Flick’s change of tactics, players stepping up, and a better mentality this team has grown from last season. This season Barcelona have proved that football isn’t just about talent— it’s about teamwork, belief, and resilience. The club has fought hard, completed amazing comebacks, and silenced all the doubters.

While the road to redemption is far from over one thing is very clear: FC Barcelona is back. And this time they are here to stay.