Barcelona mulling return of former physical trainer as part of new staff | OneFootball

The exit of Xavi Hernandez has led to multiple changes in Barcelona’s overall staff, as the club prepare for a new era under the leadership of Hansi Flick.

Flick has already signalled a shift in the way the players train and promises to change the training regime. That is why there has been a slight makeover in Barça’s physical staff.

Barcelona consider move for Antonio Gomez

Keeping that in mind, Barcelona are mulling another addition to the physical staff by bringing back a familiar face in the form of Antonio Gomez, reports Diario AS.

Gomez is a highly respected physical trainer whose previous stint at Barcelona coincided with a period of success.

Gomez’s name has surfaced amidst calls for change within the physical conditioning department.

Some voices within the Barça sports commission believe the team’s underwhelming performance last season stemmed, in part, from shortcomings in physical preparation.

Antonio Gomez could become a part of Flick’s physical staff (Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images)

Gomez boasts an impressive resume, honing his craft at clubs like Murcia, Lleida, and Cartagena before venturing abroad to manage fitness regimes at Sunderland, Ipswich, Liverpool, and Flamengo.

He previously served Barcelona for eight years, first with the reserve team (2012-2016) and then with the first team under Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde. His departure coincided with the arrival of Ronald Koeman in 2020.

Interestingly, Gomez’s return could be aided by his past association with Robert Lewandowski, a player who reportedly criticized Xavi’s physical training methods.

Lewandowski, who thrived under Gomez during their time together with the Polish national team, is said to be a strong advocate for the trainer’s return.

Lewandowski won’t be the lone supporter either, Gomez would find himself reunited with several players he worked with during his stint with the Spanish national team, including Pedri, Gavi, Ferran Torres, and Lamine Yamal.