Hansi Flick looking to speed up construction of first-team residence at Ciutat Esportiva | OneFootball

Hansi Flick has made many sweeping changes since taking over as the Barcelona coach last summer, and most of them have worked wonders for the club.

The list of changes includes remodelling of training sessions, diet plans and reward programs, with the coaching focusing more on commitment and hard work.

That is perhaps why Flick has rolled back a lot of the initiatives that were introduced by previous coach Xavi, which were mostly centered around rewarding players after each win.

Flick looks to expedite construction of first-team residence

FC Barcelona are pressing ahead with plans to construct a dedicated first-team residence at their Sant Joan Despí training ground, a project already approved by the board of directors.

Head coach Hansi Flick is keen on accelerating the initiative, which aims to boost player convenience and recovery, reports Catalunya Radio.

Earlier reports suggest the planned residence, estimated to cost around €6 million, will be built on the area currently occupied by Pitch 2, near the Tito Vilanova pitch where the first team frequently trains.

Flick is keen on getting the construction of first-team residence done (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

While the budget for the project is relatively modest compared to the massive Espai Barça redevelopment, the club intends to fund it through sponsorship deals to avoid straining their finances.

What’s the utility of the first-team residence?

The primary purpose of the new residence is to offer players a convenient resting space after returning from late-night or early-morning matches.

Instead of driving home immediately upon arriving at Ciutat Esportiva, players will have the option to stay overnight at the facility, allowing them to maximize rest and improve recovery before their next training session.

This arrangement could be particularly beneficial during the busiest periods of the season, when Barcelona’s match schedule leaves little room for recuperation.

By eliminating unnecessary travel time and providing a familiar, comfortable environment, the club hopes to ensure players are in the best possible condition ahead of key fixtures.

Additionally, the residence will serve as a pre-match meeting point for games held in Barcelona. This setup would reduce the need for hotel bookings, cut logistical expenses, and offer a consistent and relaxed environment for the squad.

Such measures are expected to enhance performance and improve team morale over the long run.