Hansi Flick arrived at Barcelona with high expectations, bringing a breath of fresh air to the team. However, in recent matches, the team has seen a drop in form, accumulating just 5 out of 18 points in their last games. This slump has allowed their main rivals, Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid, to catch up in the title race.

Currently, FC Barcelona is tied for the top spot with Real Madrid, each with 38 points, but Barcelona leads due to a better goal difference. Interestingly, this is the same number of points the team had at the same point last season under Xavi Hernández. However, the context is different: last season, Barcelona was in fourth place, tied with Atlético on 38 points, while Girona and Real Madrid were ahead with 45 points.

A More Entertaining Style with Uncertainty Ahead

Flick’s Barcelona stands out for its more attacking and entertaining style compared to the previous season. The team has scored 50 goals and conceded 20, a significant improvement over the 34 goals scored and 21 conceded under Xavi at this stage last year. However, comparing it to the 2022-23 season, when Xavi led Barcelona to the La Liga title, is even more striking. At this point, Xavi’s team had 47 points and finished the season with 88 points, 10 ahead of Real Madrid.

What About Europe?

Flick’s Barcelona has a solid chance in the Champions League, currently on track to make it to the knockout stages. In comparison, Xavi’s team comfortably made it to the quarterfinals of the 2023-24 Champions League but suffered a painful exit at the hands of PSG.

Xavi’s tenure began in November 2021, when he took over a struggling team. After a disastrous start with Ronald Koeman and an interim stint under Sergi Barjuan, Xavi managed to lift Barcelona from ninth place to second in La Liga, securing a spot in the Champions League, a notable achievement under the circumstances.

The Tough January Ahead for Flick’s Barcelona

For Flick’s Barcelona, 2023-24 is far from easy. At the end of the year, they will face Atlético Madrid in a crucial match for the La Liga lead. January will bring a series of high-stakes challenges: the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, the Copa del Rey with Barbastro as their first opponent, the Champions League group stage with key matches against Benfica and Atalanta, and, of course, the continuation of La Liga.

Culé fans are hopeful that key players like Araujo, Ansu Fati, and Christensen will return to full fitness. However, the injury to Lamine Yamal, who is a doubt for the upcoming Atlético Madrid match, remains a concern, alongside the long-term absences of Ter Stegen and Marc Bernal.

Flick’s Barcelona or Xavi’s Barcelona?

The big question is which coach has gotten the best results. While Flick’s team has shown more offensive firepower, Xavi’s Barcelona, especially in terms of stability and results in La Liga, cannot be overlooked. The comparison will continue to evolve as the season progresses, with more challenges ahead. For now, Flick’s Barcelona has a golden opportunity to prove its worth and remain in the title race.