Barcelona set to add former Chelsea, Juventus staff member to Xavi’s team

As has been reported already, Barcelona are likely to make one or two new additions to Xavi’s coaching staff after it was decided that he would stay on as manager.

The Blaugrana are particularly concerned about the physical training and injury prevention aspect and are understood to be closing in on an addition to address the issue.

Barcelona set to hire Julio Tous

Now, Toni Juanmarti of SPORT reports that Julio Tous, a specialist in strength training and injury prevention, has been chosen as the newest member of Xavi’s staff for next season.

The Blaugrana were clear that they wanted to boost certain aspects, including fitness, and for months, have been making progress in the incorporation of a figure with experience in elite football.

Barça want their players to ‘fly’ from the first day of the upcoming pre-season. With that aim in mind, and being aware of the pace demanded by matches against the best teams in Europe today, the club want Tous to complement the work of the coaching staff.

Given that he is considered one of the revolutionaries in the area of strength training, it is believed that his knowledge can be crucial.

Antonio Conte’s right-hand man

It must be noted that Tous had previously worked with Barcelona way back in 2004. But he is mostly known for his stint with Antonio Conte at Juventus, Chelsea, and the Italy national team.

Julio Tous was part of Antonio Conte’s staff. (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Indeed, Tous was part of the coaching staff of Antonio Conte’s Chelsea team that won the Premier League in 2017. In addition, he was also his right-hand man at the Italian national team, Inter Milan, and Juventus.

With a proven track record behind him, Tous has specialised in studying strength work as one of the pillars of physical preparation.

Now, Barça’s intention with Tous is for him to try to establish a structure to optimise the performance of its players to the maximum.

Sources at the club say that the Spaniard’s place in Xavi’s team is not yet 100% clear. These minor issues will have to be ironed out.

However, Barcelona are convinced that his addition will help the team to continue to grow in its attempt to reach the levels of pace and intensity that the European elite requires today.