The new head of physical preparation for the first team has completely restructured the entire work methodology, which has brought absolutely exceptional results. Benjamin Kugel arrived at FC Barcelona this summer at the request of Hansi Flick. The German coach wanted a new approach to physical preparation. Kugel had almost no problems adapting. Firstly, because he knows his countryman Flick very well – they worked together in the German national team – and secondly, because he speaks Spanish perfectly, thanks to the years spent in Costa Rica as a student. His methodology focuses on helping players achieve their full physical potential by offering clear training programs tailored to the individual needs and requirements of each player. To start, he largely eliminated resistance bands and belts as tools for strength training in the gym, returning to dumbbells. Only a few players, like Pedri, use a training program with bands, as it has proven beneficial for him, but he is one of the few exceptions. Recovery exercises after matches have also been implemented. All players, both first-team players and reserves, perform a series of strength exercises, taking their playing time into account; the intensity of the exercises is significantly higher for reserves than for first-team players. Kugel wants to know everything about his players, which is why he always tries to maintain a close dialogue to understand and interpret each player’s physical condition, realizing that there are days when physical effort in the gym can be increased and others when it should be reduced. There is no doubt that the German physical preparation coach has had a fantastic debut in the locker room. Players feel like they can fly on the pitch, and the team physically overwhelms their opponents. The biggest challenge for Flick and Kugel will be maintaining this intensity throughout the season. [@fansjavimiguel - @diarioas] (2️⃣) 🏋️ (translated)