Pau Victor reveals the intensity of Hansi Flick’s Barcelona training

Pau Victor says the physical demands imposed by Hansi Flick at Barcelona were so severe that he sometimes finished training feeling dizzy.

The Sporting Braga forward, who previously played for Barcelona, said the German manager’s reputation for demanding sessions was fully justified. Speaking to the Que t’hi jugues? programme on Cadena SER, Victor recalled the impact of the training sessions he experienced during his time at the Catalan club.

“There are videos where Gavi and I can be seen lying on the ground with our legs in the air,” he said. “I finished several training sessions feeling dizzy.”

Victor did not receive many minutes under Flick during the 2024-2025 season, but said the manager nevertheless taught him important lessons about the standards expected of a professional footballer.

“He taught me a lot about the discipline required from a professional player and about the effort that is not negotiable,” Victor said.

The 24-year-old also praised his former team-mate Gerard Martin, who is closing in on his 100th appearance for Barcelona’s first team. Victor admitted he had not expected Martin to progress so far, but said the defender had earned his achievements.

“It is unbelievable what he is achieving. I did not expect it, but he completely deserves it,” he said.

Victor believes Martin represents exactly the type of player who wins Flick’s trust. He described him as someone who works hard, remains in the gym after training and actively seeks additional work.

“He is a hard-working player who stays in the gym after training and asks for extra training sessions and video analysis,” Victor said.

Praise for Raphinha

Victor also highlighted Raphinha’s contribution to Barcelona’s performances this season, particularly his defensive work.

“Raphinha is amazing,” he said. “He was like that when I was at the club, but the advantage he has is that he reinvents himself and defends. Particularly the defending and the pressing.”

Victor is now in his second season with Sporting Braga, where he wears the number 10 shirt. During his first campaign, he scored 17 goals and provided six assists in more than 3,500 minutes, establishing himself as a regular starter in the Portuguese league.

He has also made a strong start to the current season, scoring five goals in 12 matches.

Asked about his life in Portugal, Victor said: “I am very happy with the team and the city.” He also praised Sporting Braga’s facilities, describing them as “really very good”.