Barcelona shake up fitness team after Laporta complaints

Barcelona are undergoing a shake-up behind the scenes at the request of president Joan Laporta following the end of the 2023-24 season.

According to ESPN, Laporta “complained the team were not in top physical condition last season” and wants major change.

A number of fitness coaches who worked under Xavi – Ivan Torres, Jaume Munill and Carles Nogueira – have already left and replacements are set to be appointed.

Julio Tous, who has previously worked with Antonio Conte, is expected to arrive along with Pep Conde – who is currently part of the fitness set-up at Sevilla.

Barcelona also want to poach Real Sociedad fitness coach Rafa Maldonado to come and work with Hansi Flick.

The new Barcelona coach is also set to bring in his own staff in the shape of Marcus Sorg, Toni Tapalovic and Heiko Westermann.

Flick’s Bayern team was well-known for it’s physicality and intensity, while Barca’s training has come in for criticism over recent years.

There were reports last season the players had called for sessions be tougher, while ex-players, including Xavi Simons, have said there’s little gym work done at Barca.