Barcelona Names Benjamin Kugel as New Fitness Coach

Appointment Overview

Barcelona have officially confirmed the arrival of a new fitness coach for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign. The club has hired Benjamin Kugel to join Hansi Flick’s coaching staff. Kugel’s extensive background in European football and international competitions is seen as a key asset for the Catalans.

Coaching Credentials

Kugel boasts a résumé that includes stints with Werder Bremen, 1. FC Köln, PSV Eindhoven and Benfica. He also spent nearly ten years with the German Football Association, where he worked side‑by‑side with Hansi Flick. During that period, the German FA secured the 2014 FIFA World Cup title.

Potential Benefits for Barcelona

Last season, several key Barcelona players missed matches due to injury, prompting the club to focus on better physical preparation. The appointment of Kugel is aimed at improving the squad’s conditioning and reducing future injury concerns. By strengthening the fitness department, Barcelona hopes to enhance overall team performance and durability in the coming season.