Has FC Barcelona improved much more physically than in Xavi's era?

Ever since the Xavi era ended with the Barcelona icon being sacked by the board and Hansi Flick arrived on the scene, there have been comparisons between the two managers. While there was much chaos in the Catalan camp when Xavi was made to leave, the club's recent performances and the brilliant start in the new season have definitely helped in establishing better momentum.

Has FC Barcelona improved much more physically than in Xavi's era?

While significant credit is due to the Blaugrana players, nobody can take anything from Flick's role in the success so far. Although his arrival brought many changes in the Barca setup, the most noticeable one of them has been the lineup's physicality, helping them to continue with the same intensity even in the end minutes. Thus, the question arises: Has FC Barcelona improved much more physically than in Xavi's era?

From Barcelona's perspective, the strength training has been a significant boost to their playing style. Not just from a performance perspective, but this has helped the club build a mentality to never give up till the final whistle. However, while everything seems perfect in the scenario, the only worrisome thing is that people are just busy comparing Flick's Barca to Xavi's, showing the narrative that the squad has improved drastically.

Although there's nothing false in this, the way this is being presented doesn't fit well with Barca's ex-manager and club legend, Xavi. As per reports from Diario SPORT, Xavi is very bothered by people saying that Barcelona has improved physically after his departure. However, the reality being said, data confirms that Xavi's Barça was always in the top 3 teams with the most distance covered per match in La Liga.

Moreover, Xavi's coaching staff have confirmed that according to data by 'Media Coach,' the Spaniard's Barcelona had the best physical parameters for a Barça squad in the last 11 seasons. In practicality, both Xavi and Flick have been important to what the club is achieving today. While the former one led Barca from a stage to be the La Liga champions when nobody expected them to, Flick is on his way to writing history with Barca with the players that Xavi nurtured.

Deco's recent words sum it all up for Xavi's era,

""Xavi has been very important for the club in a difficult moment of change of cycle. He won a league when people did not expect it. Xavi debuted important players for the club and the future. He has done his job and has helped the growth process. I have it clear.""

- Deco

Overall, any such comparison can't be made just based on results but should be made by analyzing the squad strength both managers had and what has been their contribution to Barca's history as a whole. Although such comparisons would continue existing, Xavi's contribution to FC Barcelona, both as a player and a manager, will be remembered forever.