Barcelona hire Hansi Flick’s trusted aide as the new first-team fitness coach | OneFootball

According to Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona have chosen Benjamin Kugel as the club’s new first-team fitness coach, with the German set to replace Julio Tous ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Tous will remain at the club but in a different capacity, taking charge of the newly-created Sports Performance Optimisation Department, where he will oversee physical development across Barcelona’s professional teams and sporting sections.

The appointment of Kugel is expected to be confirmed officially in the coming days.

A coach trusted by Hansi Flick

Barcelona have opted for a fitness specialist who enjoys the full confidence of head coach Hansi Flick.

Although Holger Broich had previously been linked with the role, the club ultimately decided on Kugel, who has known Flick for many years through their involvement with German football.

Flick trusts Kugel fully. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Born in Troisdorf, Germany, Kugel has built an impressive career across several European clubs and national teams.

His previous roles include spells with Werder Bremen, the German national team, Red Bull Salzburg, FC Koln, the Israeli national team, and PSV Eindhoven. Most recently, he spent two seasons working at SL Benfica.

Kugel was not part of the German national team staff during Flick’s tenure as head coach.

But the two worked together earlier in their careers when the current Barcelona coach served in various roles within the German Football Association, including his period as Joachim Low’s assistant when they won the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Flick and Kugel with the German national team in 2012. (Photo by Joern Pollex/Bongarts/Getty Images)

That existing relationship is believed to have played an important role in Barcelona’s decision.

Focus on reducing injuries

Barcelona hope the change will strengthen its physical preparation after a season heavily affected by muscular injuries.

Several players struggled with recurring fitness problems, most notably Raphinha, whose repeated setbacks came during crucial stages of the campaign.

Unless further changes are made to the coaching staff, Kugel will work alongside Pepe Conde, Rafa Maldonado and German Fernandez as part of Barcelona’s first-team performance department.

Flick has also lost two other members of his staff this summer, with analyst and coach Thiago Alcantara leaving. It remains to be seen if there are any new appointments to replace them.