Barcelona make major personnel change in physiotherapy department ahead of new season | OneFootball

As Hansi Flick enters his third season as the manager of Barcelona, the club finally appear to have the resources required to support his project in an economic sense.

For the first time in years, the club is spending without much restriction and are taking well-weighted decisions for the long-term in terms of player signings.

Alongside the anticipated changes in the squad, the administration have also brought about some personnel changes in the coaching staff and support staff of the team.

AS now provides the latest update on the same.

The newest change

As relayed by the Spanish outlet, the latest change in the team’s support staff is in the physiotherapy department where Borja Portillo is no longer a part of the first-team staff.

Flick has overseen several staff changes this summer. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Portillo played a big role in the returns of Marc Bernal and Dani Olmo from injuries. He was critical in ensuring the former’s complete recovery from injury last season and in making the latter relatively injury-free from his initially fragile stage.

Instead, physiotherapist Sergio Toro is expected to take over responsibilities in that department and his arrival comes with the endorsement of Raul Martinez, the head of Barcelona’s physiotherapy department.

Other notable changes

The administration has brought about several other key changes in personnel this summer, the most notable of which is the move of Julio Tous.

Previously working as one of the main men in the physical preparation department, Tous has now been moved over to a new zone labelled the performance and optimisation department.

Benjamin Kugel – the new lead fitness coach at Barcelona. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Two of his assistants Rafa Maldonado and German Fernandez have also been reassigned and will work with the B team.

Instead, it will be Benjamin Kugel who will take over the physical preparation department and has worked previously with Flick as well.

Finally, the team’s nutrition department has also seen a major shift in personnel where Silvia Tremoleda has stepped away from her role as the head nutritionist. Mireia Porta Oliva has been appointed in that position instead for next season.

Hansi Flick’s pre-season with Barcelona begins today, and with the players, even the newly appointed support staff will kick off their responsibilities.