Barcelona Engages in Unique Pre-Season Match Against Udinese and Nottingham Forest
Barcelona participated in an unusual three-way match against Udinese and Nottingham Forest as part of their pre-season training. The Catalan club faced off for 45 minutes against each opponent, achieving a victory over Nottingham Forest but suffering a defeat to Udinese.
One highlight for Barcelona supporters was the debut of Jesse Bisiwu, the club’s newest summer signing. According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Bisiwu made a positive impression on coach Hansi Flick, who expressed satisfaction with various aspects of the young player’s game.
Flick Impressed by Bisiwu’s Movement
Flick particularly appreciated Bisiwu’s movement off the ball, noting his eagerness to exploit space and his discipline in maintaining width during possession. The Belgian winger showcased the type of profile Barcelona anticipated when they signed him. Rather than consistently seeking short passes, Bisiwu aimed to stretch Udinese’s defense, making runs into open areas and providing Barcelona with a more direct attacking option on the flanks.
This vertical threat aligns well with Flick’s tactical approach, where wide players are tasked with creating depth, pressuring defenders, and opening up central spaces for both midfielders and forwards. Bisiwu also displayed confidence when in possession, appearing unfazed by the occasion despite joining the club recently.
Flick Believes in Bisiwu’s Potential
Flick is optimistic about what Bisiwu can bring to the team going forward. The coach emphasized that Bisiwu’s full impact is yet to manifest, as the young player is still acclimating to his new teammates and adjusting to Flick’s tactical requirements.
Despite being a recent arrival and having limited time to absorb the team’s dynamics, Bisiwu’s early performance was promising. His ability to maintain width on the left side offered something different from the club’s existing options in that area.
A Profile Barcelona Can Develop
While Bisiwu is not anticipated to become an immediate starter, consistent performances like this could accelerate his integration into the first team. Barcelona’s strategy involves carefully managing his exposure to Flick’s squad while allowing him the opportunity to develop without undue pressure.
For now, the most encouraging takeaway from his debut is that Bisiwu presents an enticing profile. He exhibited bravery, directness, and tactical awareness—qualities that Flick values. Although refining his final contributions may take time, Barcelona appears to have a promising talent in Bisiwu, and it will be Flick’s duty to nurture this potential in the seasons ahead.
Barcelona played a one-of-a-kind three-way match against Udinese and Nottingham Forest as part of their pre-season preparations.
The Catalan club played 45 minutes each against the Italian and English sides, beating Forest but losing to Udinese.
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One of the most exciting things for the Barça supporters from the games was the debut of Jesse Bisiwu, the club’s latest summer signing.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Bisiwu has made an encouraging first impression on Hansi Flick, with the Barça coach pleased by several aspects of his game.
Flick impressed by Bisiwu’s movement
Jesse Bisiwu is the latest winger to join Barcelona. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website)
Flick particularly liked Bisiwu’s movement off the ball, his willingness to attack space and his discipline in holding the width when Barcelona were in possession.
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The Belgian winger showed the kind of profile Barcelona hoped they were signing.
Rather than constantly coming short for the ball, Bisiwu looked to stretch Udinese’s defensive line, making runs into space and giving Barça a more direct outlet on the flank.
That vertical threat is important in Flick’s system, where wide players are expected to create depth, attack defenders aggressively and open central spaces for midfielders and forwards.
Bisiwu also showed confidence in possession, never looking overawed by the occasion despite only recently joining the club.
Flick believes in what Bisiwu brings to the table
Flick is said to believe the youngster’s full impact is still to come.
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That makes sense. Bisiwu has only just arrived, is still learning the movements of his new team-mates and has had very little time to absorb Flick’s demands.
Flick holds Bisiwu in high regards. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Even so, the signs he showed last night were positive. His ability to stay wide on the left and give Barça natural width is something different from the current options the club have in that position.
A profile Barcelona can develop
Bisiwu is not expected to become an immediate starter, but performances like this can accelerate his integration into the first-team environment.
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Barça‘s plan is still to manage him carefully, giving him real exposure to Flick’s first-team squad while allowing him to develop without pressure.
For now, the biggest takeaway from his debut is that the profile is exciting. Bisiwu looked brave, direct and tactically willing, three qualities Flick values.
The final product may take time, but Barça seem to have a gem on their hands, and it is Flick’s responsibility to polish it in the coming seasons.
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