Having watched a "Barça" match under Flick's management, it felt so good to see him back in club football. He brings back what is so sorely lacking in today's game-after the spell of Klopp, that drive for attack, that irresistible energy, that final third choked with bodies. It is clear, it is bold football that really stands out.

Much of what I see is a throwback to his "Bayern" days, where the openness and risky pressing keep the same identity but with adjustments made for "Barça"; the play is narrower, with players focused on filling the central zones rather than taking it wide.

The surprising thing would be that Flick seems more "Barça-like" than Xavi did, despite being a true La Masia disciple who gave a less-than-traditionally "Barça" style of football. Perhaps that is because Flick relies more on the attacking instinct of his players, or maybe it is just easier to understand his style. In any case, everything was clear: This is how we press, this is how we attack. Simple as that. Xavi, on his part, appeared lost in his own recipe whenever he tried to perfect it.

Having watched a "Barça" match under Flick's management, it felt so good to see him back in club football. He brings back what is so sorely lacking in today's game-after the spell of Klopp, that drive for attack, that irresistible energy, that final third choked with bodies. It is clear, it is bold football that really stands out.

Much of what I see is a throwback to his "Bayern" days, where the openness and risky pressing keep the same identity but with adjustments made for "Barça"; the play is narrower, with players focused on filling the central zones rather than taking it wide.

The surprising thing would be that Flick seems more "Barça-like" than Xavi did, despite being a true La Masia disciple who gave a less-than-traditionally "Barça" style of football. Perhaps that is because Flick relies more on the attacking instinct of his players, or maybe it is just easier to understand his style. In any case, everything was clear: This is how we press, this is how we attack. Simple as that. Xavi, on his part, appeared lost in his own recipe whenever he tried to perfect it.