For the first time in many years, FC Barcelona has given a voice to the person in charge of the first team’s physical preparation. In an interview with Barça One, Julio Tous (Barcelona, 17 December 1971), who has become one of the leading figures in physical preparation after working for almost a decade alongside coach Antonio Conte, talks about the work he does at the helm of the Blaugrana team, after both Barça president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco emphasized the improvement in the squad’s physical aspect that they needed.
Tous works alongside physical trainers Pepe Conde and Rafa Maldonado, who are in charge of field work, and Germán Fernández, who is more focused on neuromuscular and strength training, as well as helping the rehabilitation specialists.
Completely in tune with Flick
Despite the fact that his signing was independent of Flick’s, Tous admits that the German coach has made everything easy for him and that he is in total harmony with him. “It’s a pleasure to work with him because he hasn’t changed our method for anything,” says Julio about the former Bayern and German national team coach. “Taking into account the experiences I’ve had, it’s very difficult to find a coach with whom you have such a great connection and can influence practically everything. The relationship with Flick is very close and he not only believes a lot in the physical part, but also in the impact it can have on the player and his performance,” explained Tous‘ physical trainer.
Aware of the impact his work has on Barça, Tous admitted that “it is a huge challenge, but it is also a dream.” Despite the great responsibility, the person in charge of Barça’s physical preparation is also “totally convinced that it will work, because we have a team, at all levels, with an incredible level of commitment,” he explained.
He also made it clear that working with players from La Masia makes his job much easier. “The Barça school has extraordinary cognitive and coordinative abilities. They are capable of doing anything you propose to them well. When I was in other teams and worked with players from La Masia, I noticed it and it was incredible.”
Prevention work
On the other hand, Julio Tous discusses the strategy they use for physical training to avoid injuries. The main goal is to equip the football player with the abilities needed to handle the intensity of a complete match confidently. “Players are now better prepared than ever, and in just five years, the transformation has been remarkable. This improvement also impacts injuries, as the physical demands are significant, and the key is consistent training. It’s crucial to emphasize to the players the importance of daily activities focused on preventing injuries,” he explained.
This content has been translated and adapted from the Spanish version of the digital newspaper
