Leadership expert Wolfgang Jenewein: The Hansi recipe: What lies behind Barca's spectacular successes

Jenewein coaches top athletes such as Norwegian ski superstar Alexander Aamodt Kilde. He has also discussed what good leadership looks like with Barcelona and former DFB coach Hansi Flick. Jenewein has repeatedly criticized Flick's treatment in Germany in the past, citing a lack of respect and recognition for Flick's achievements and style. Following the thrilling victory in El Clásico, Jenewein examined Flick's leadership style in a LinkedIn post – and deciphered his recipe for success:

What a spectacle! FC Barcelona beat their fierce rivals Real Madrid yesterday for the fourth time this season, taking a giant step toward the league title and their third overall. A few stats: 169 offsides, 124 successful dribbles by Yamal, 163 goals – all top figures in Europe. Barca arguably plays the most attractive football in the world.

Thierry Henry recently said: “Football has bored me for the last two years, but through Barca I have rediscovered my love.”

Not long ago, things were quite different. Last year's almost identical team was far from winning a single title. The success is therefore directly linked to Hansi Flick.

Wolfgang Jenewein is one of the leading coaches and trainers in the German-speaking world. He is a professor at the University of St. Gallen and founder of JENEWEIN AG. He works with top athletes such as Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Aamodt Kilde, as well as with executives of international companies. He himself is a passionate CrossFit athlete and is ranked among the top 50 in his age group worldwide.

He is one of the most positive and genuine people I know. When he arrived in Barcelona, ​​he didn't look for what was wrong, didn't immediately replace the entire local staff, or demand new players, as other coaches often do. He worked with the circumstances he found himself in and exuded the conviction that, given these circumstances, with this young team, with this staff, great things were possible.

I would describe his leadership style as tough love! He would say discipline on the one hand, empathy and love for humanity on the other.

There are certain values ​​that are incredibly important to him: punctuality, for example. If a player is late for a meeting, he doesn't play. When I once asked him why that was so important to him, he said: "Anyone who is late has no respect for others." He demands this value orientation from everyone, at all times. I once observed a training session. Afterward, I spoke with him briefly before heading towards the locker room. I wanted to take a shortcut around the corner of the training ground. As soon as I stepped onto the "sacred turf," he whistled from behind and shouted at the top of his voice: "Get off the pitch!"

At the same time, Hansi has built a relationship with each of his players. He knows each individual's background. He's there for them when they have personal worries and helps them improve every day.

He led de Jong and Raphinha back to the top of the world and transformed a team of stars into a truly star-studded team. A prime example: Gavi was supposed to come on as a substitute, but he told the coach to let Pablo (Torre) play; he hadn't played in months!

But what I find most remarkable is his humility. He's always concerned with the team, with the club, never with himself. He never puts himself in the spotlight; he always lets others shine. He never makes great demands; he always remains humble. He gives the large hotel rooms the club reserves for him to the physios so they have more space to treat the players. A simple room is enough for him. He's simply a good person and lives by what he expects from others.

How do you feel about this? And what do you learn from the example of Barcelona?

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