Kugel's method drives Barcelona's quiet fitness revolution | OneFootball

Barcelona have launched a quiet fitness overhaul under Benjamin Kugel, the 46-year-old appointed at Hansi Flick’s request, with the squad hailing markedly higher physical levels to start the season.

Since his arrival, Kugel has built individual plans, restored gym weights and pared back resistance bands, still using them in select cases such as Pedri. AS reports that his post-match recovery programme involves every player, with intensity scaled by minutes and greater loads for substitutes.

Flick had pushed for an overhaul after repeated disagreements with predecessor Julio Tous, even threatening to leave unless it was settled before pre-season. Daily involvement is a key shift from Tous, who often delegated and was on the grass only once or twice a week. He has travelled with the team for every match so far, home and away.

His remit now stretches into planning and matchday instructions, making him an influential voice on the staff. He has also tightened links with medical chief Ricard Pruna through weekly data reviews to manage loads and reduce fatigue.

Kugel keeps regular dialogue with players to gauge physical and mental state, adjusting workloads accordingly. The dressing room view is that Barcelona look fresher and more powerful than opponents, and the players feel near their best.

The test for Flick and Kugel is sustaining it across the campaign. Inside the camp, some believe the team have not yet reached 70% of their physical potential, with a higher level anticipated from October.

Source: Goal.com

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