Cesc Fabregas hails Hansi Flick's 'frightening' Barcelona

Former Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, currently managing Como, has expressed genuine awe at the transformation of his former club under Hansi Flick. After watching Barcelona dismantle Feyenoord 5-1, the World Cup winner highlighted the exceptional standard being set in Catalonia.

"I watched Barca’s match yesterday and I can tell you that Feyenoord are a very good side, but the thing is, Barca make you look bad because they find a way out of every situation at all times," Fabregas explained.

They find solutions from all angles. Whoever plays, they’re of a very high standard. It’s frightening – the level they’re playing at right now is frightening. Cesc Fabregas

Fabregas was particularly impressed by the tactical variety Barcelona display. Whether facing a low block or aggressive pressing, the squad exhibits a collective intelligence that allows them to bypass pressure points easily, making individual man-marking strategies largely ineffective.

Fabregas is enjoying his own success at the helm of Como, having recently guided the club to a 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig in their Champions League debut. Despite his side's strong start, the Spaniard acknowledges the significant challenge ahead when they face the Catalan giants.

"In today’s football, you have to be prepared for anything. There are mini-matches within the matches and you have to know how to handle certain situations, especially at these levels," he noted.

Barcelona are scheduled to host Como at the Camp Nou on January 27 in the final round of the Champions League league phase. The fixture will serve as a definitive test for both the tactical masterclass currently being delivered by Flick and Fabregas's ability to prepare his squad for elite-level opposition.