Hansi Flick Wants One More Pre-Season Friendly as Barcelona Fine-Tune Preparations
Barcelona's pre-season schedule could become even busier after head coach Hansi Flick requested an additional friendly match before the start of the 2026/27 La Liga season.
The German tactician believes one final competitive test would be the ideal way to prepare his squad before the campaign officially begins later in August.
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are now exploring different options to accommodate the extra fixture, which is expected to take place around August 15.
Flick Wants Full Squad Tested Before Season Begins
The proposed friendly would come at a crucial stage of Barcelona's preparations.
By mid-August, all players involved in the FIFA World Cup are expected to have returned from their post-tournament breaks, giving Flick his first opportunity to work with a fully assembled squad.
The Barcelona coach considers that timing ideal for testing tactical ideas, building chemistry and assessing his strongest lineup ahead of the club's opening league fixture.
An additional match would also allow recently signed players to gain more minutes alongside their new teammates before competitive football resumes.
Barcelona Exploring Multiple Venues
Barcelona are currently evaluating several proposals for hosting the additional fixture.
Among the leading possibilities are matches in Rabat, Morocco, and Nairobi, Kenya.
The Kenyan option has regained momentum after improvements in the regional health situation, making it a realistic destination once again.
The club has yet to make a final decision, but discussions are ongoing as Barcelona seek the best sporting and commercial opportunity.
Liverpool No Longer an Option
Liverpool had initially been considered as Barcelona's potential opponents for the proposed friendly.
However, the Premier League club has since finalized its own pre-season schedule and will instead face Como at Anfield on August 16.
That development forced Barcelona to explore alternative opponents and locations for the additional match.
Despite the setback, the club remains confident that another suitable fixture can be arranged before the season begins.
Packed Pre-Season Already Planned
Barcelona already has a demanding summer schedule in place.
Preparations begin with a behind-closed-doors friendly against CE Europa on July 24 at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
The squad will then travel to England for a training camp, where they are scheduled to face Birmingham City on July 31 before taking on Preston North End in another private fixture on August 3.
The Catalan club is also expected to confirm participation in a triangular tournament in Udine on August 8, where they could play against Udinese and Nottingham Forest.
The traditional Joan Gamper Trophy will then be held on August 19 at Spotify Camp Nou, with Egyptian champions Al Ahly expected to be Barcelona's opponents.
Final Preparations Before La Liga
If the proposed August 15 friendly is confirmed, Barcelona will complete one of their busiest pre-season programmes in recent years.
The additional fixture would provide Flick with one final opportunity to evaluate his squad before the Blaugrana begin their La Liga title defence.
Barcelona are scheduled to kick off the new league season on August 23 with an away trip to Elche, making every remaining pre-season match an important step in preparing for another demanding campaign under the German coach.