Report – Why Hansi Flick’s preferred fitness coach turned down Barcelona | OneFootball

The removal of Julio Tous as FC Barcelona’s head of physical preparation has left Hansi Flick searching for a new leader for the club’s fitness department.

The German tactician has decided not to continue with Tous as the head of his fitness department after some issues cropped up last season, such as the relapses related to key winger Raphinha.

One of the first names linked with the role was Holger Broich, a trusted figure from Flick’s successful spell at Bayern Munich.

But, according to BILD (h/t Mundo Deportivo), the German specialist has ultimately decided against joining the Catalan club.

Flick wanted a reunion

Julio Tous will not be a part of Flick’s staff. (Photo: Barcelona official website)

Broich was widely viewed as a strong candidate to replace Tous in the Barcelona first-team coaching staff due to his previous working relationship with Flick.

During their time together at Bayern, Broich played a key role in the club’s performance and conditioning programmes, making him a natural option when Barcelona began looking for a replacement for Tous.

However, according to comments made in Germany, the possibility of a reunion was explored but never materialised.

Why Broich rejected Barcelona

Speaking to BILD, Broich’s brand adviser Sven Kraft explained that Flick expressed interest in bringing him to Barcelona but that the fitness expert had already chosen a different professional path.

“Following the successful collaboration between Hansi Flick and Holger Broich at FC Bayern Munich, Hansi Flick expressed interest in a possible continuation of the partnership in 2024,” he said.

Flick is looking for a new fitness coach. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

“However, after the amicable parting ways at FC Bayern Munich, Holger Broich consciously decided not to accept a position at FC Barcelona and opted for a forward-looking collaboration with the Schwarz Group,” Kraft added.

Kraft also suggested that Broich’s ambitions have evolved beyond traditional football fitness roles.

Barcelona must look elsewhere

With Broich no longer an option, Barcelona will have to continue their search for a new head of physical preparation ahead of the new season.

The club still retains several members of its fitness staff, including Pepe Conde, Rafa Maldonado and German Fernandez, but a permanent replacement for Tous has yet to be appointed.