Barcelona’s new fitness coach confident of tasting success – ‘I am completely convinced’ | OneFootball

Back in April, Barcelona made a few changes to their coaching staff with Julio Tous joining the team as the fitness coach.

Tous, born in Barcelona, is a renowned figure in physical training, having spent nearly a decade working alongside the respected coach Antonio Conte.

In a recent interview with Barça One, he shared details about his role at the heart of the Blaugrana’s physical conditioning, following the clear directives from both President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco to enhance the squad’s physical fitness.

Working closely with physical trainers Pepe Conde and Rafa Maldonado, who manage the on-field training, and German Fernandez, who specialises in neuromuscular and strength conditioning, Tous is integral to the team.

He also collaborates with rehabilitation specialists to ensure that the players are in peak physical condition. This collaboration is essential to Barça’s efforts to improve player performance and reduce injuries.

Hansi Flick supports Tous

Although Tous’s appointment was made independently of Hansi Flick’s arrival at the club, he acknowledges the German coach’s supportive and harmonious approach.

“It’s a pleasure to work with Flick because he has not altered our methods in any way,” Tous said.

Julio Tous is happy with what he has seen at Barcelona.(Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images)

“Based on my experiences, it’s rare to find a coach with whom you have such a strong connection and can influence nearly every aspect of the training process.

“Flick truly values the physical preparation and understands its significant impact on player performance,” he added.

Tous is fully aware of the considerable impact his work has on Barcelona and he recognises that the task at hand is immense but is equally confident in its success.

“This is a huge challenge, but it’s also a dream. Despite the heavy responsibility, I am completely convinced that it will work because we have a team with an extraordinary level of commitment at every level,” he explained.

On La Masia and injury management

Working with players from La Masia also makes Tous’s job more manageable, and he seems content with this.

“The Barça school has extraordinary cognitive and coordinative abilities. They are capable of doing anything you propose to them well. When I was in other teams and worked with players from La Masia, I noticed it and it was incredible.” Tous remarked.

Lastly, he also discussed the importance of injury prevention in their physical preparation strategy. The main goal is to equip players with the ability to endure the intensity of a full match with confidence.

“The player is increasingly better trained and in a matter of five years, the change has been radical. This also affects injuries, because the effort is very high and the only solution is systematic work.

“And, especially, in insisting a lot to the footballers that every day they must do something related to injury prevention,” he explained.