Spanish League champions Barcelona aim to add steel to youthful flair

While Barcelona thrilled on their way to winning La Liga last season, scoring 102 goals in the process, coach Hansi Flick accepts this season his team's need to improve defensively.

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With teenager Lamine Yamal and Raphinha shining in attack, the Catalan giants proved an irresistible force as they claimed a domestic treble.

However the German coach's high-pressing defensive line sometimes left Barcelona high and dry at the back, even as it made for frequently gripping, end-to-end matches.

The team's 7-6 Champions League semifinal aggregate defeat by Inter Milan was a prime example of the risks inherent in their setup.

"For me, it's not always fun, sometimes I really suffer a lot," admitted Flick in May after Barca beat rivals Real Madrid 4-3 in a wild Clasico battle to move to the brink of the title.

"I'm really happy with what we are doing (in general), and of course, football is a game of making mistakes. Hopefully, we can make things better and make fewer mistakes."

The coach made a pledge before the summer break.

"I know that we have to improve (defensively) and we will do it next season," vowed Flick.