Barcelona set to play a behind closed doors friendly against UE Olot on Thursday

As pre-season preparations continue in full swing at FC Barcelona under new manager Hansi Flick, it appears that the team is set to play a friendly encounter before flying off to the USA this weekend.

Barcelona are scheduled to take off for the US on Sunday where they will be playing three matches against Manchester City, Real Madrid, and AC Milan.

Before that though, it is now being reported by Guillermo Barras that Barcelona will be playing a ‘behind closed doors’ friendly against lower-division side UE Olot.

The game will take place on Thursday, 25 July, at 6 pm at the club’s Ciutat Esportiva training facilities.

A closed-doors friendly, even if it would be against a team much lower in stature, is not a bad idea for Barcelona as it would give a sense of the level the players are at ahead of much tougher assignments in the USA.

Under Hansi Flick, the Blaugrana players are being put through their paces heavily, with a lot of importance being placed on physical preparation and intensity.

So, the game will give the new manager a chance to assess how the players have adapted to his ways and methods while also give him an opportunity to take a look at the youngsters and their capabilities.

Thursday will also be the day when Flick conducts his first press conference since being appointed as the manager of FC Barcelona.

All in all, it promises to be an eventful day at the Barça facilities on July 25.