Barcelona turn to Kugel as Flick reshapes fitness team amid injury crisis

FC Barcelona have confirmed the appointment of Benjamin Kugel as the club’s new first-team fitness coach, joining Hansi Flick’s backroom staff. The move follows the departure of Julio Tous, who has been reassigned within the Blaugrana system. The club statement read: “FC Barcelona has appointed Benjamin Kugel as the new fitness coach in Hansi Flick’s coaching staff.”

Kugel arrives after a career spanning European football and the international game. His previous roles include positions at Werder Bremen, 1. FC Köln, PSV Eindhoven, and SL Benfica. He also spent a decade with the German Football Association, where he worked alongside Flick during their time together in the Germany national team setup.

The pair were part of the German staff when the national team won the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Their collaboration dates back to when Flick served as assistant to Joachim Löw. Kugel’s appointment comes amid growing discontent over Tous’ methods last season, with several players raising concerns with Flick.

Repeated muscle injuries to players, including Raphinha, who suffered multiple relapses, were cited as a key factor in the decision. The club’s statement concluded: “FC Barcelona welcomes Benjamin Kugel and wishes him every success in this new chapter as a Barça coach.”

Kugel’s arrival signals a reshaping of Flick’s fitness team as Barcelona seek to address their injury issues and improve conditioning under the new head coach.