It has been a year since Xavi Hernandez, Hansi Flick's predecessor, said that financial difficulties will hinder Barcelona's chances of competing with the best teams in Europe.
Of course, it is impossible to compare Flick and Xavi, while the Spanish strategist is not necessarily a complete defeat to Barcelona. But it is not impossible to ignore the way these two captains handled some different situations.
While Xavi lamented some factors within and outside the club's control, Flick has remained silent. He never publicly asked the club to invest in the squad.
With Dani Olmo and Pau Victor's signings threatened due to financial problems, Flick has also been almost unable to speak out. He also avoids any traps set in press conferences involving Real Madrid, referees or any other awkward situations.
Sources say Flick could do that because the tactician has little to do with Barcelona. On the contrary, as a Blaugrana legend, the pressure is always on Xavi.
That sometimes makes it impossible for the media to stop exploiting topics related to Xavi. Flick only answers 12 questions at each press conference (Xavi will answer more than 20 questions), but he can read everyone's thoughts.
Before El Clasico last week, the German tactician may have felt that the media wanted to exploit more information. Therefore, Flick answered 2 more questions and included a humorous statement about Szczesny smoking.
Flick said his decision to trust Szczesny - who returned after retiring last October to join the club - was one of the most difficult moments of the season.
Szczesny moved to Marbella after finishing his career at Juventus last season to enjoy the beach, golf course and comfortable lifestyle.
In January, he became the club's first choice goalkeeper as Flick sought to reverse a streak of only 5 points out of a maximum of 21 points in La Liga. And that was really the only bad period they had in the whole season.
Blaugrana remained unbeaten in La Liga until round 37 and Flick did not want the debate about the goalkeeper position to become a problem, making it clear that Szczesny would be the number 1 choice.
March was also a difficult time for Barca when first-team doctor Carles Minarro suddenly passed away at the hotel.
"Carles is right here. He will be very proud of our team, what we have done in the past few months. So we always think about him.
We don't forget him, because he's a great part of our team and will always have a place in our hearts," Flick said, pointing to the ceiling after Barca won La Liga.
Sources say Flick is close to all the staff as he treats the players. For him, Barcelona's success this season is the effort of the whole team.
