Can the German do it? Flick takes the first step towards emulating Guardiola

Hansi Flick has begun writing a new chapter in Barcelona's history. The German opened the defence of his Spanish league title with a resounding 5-0 thrashing of Elche, taking his first steps towards an achievement managed by only two of the club's coaching legends.

According to the Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo", Flick is chasing a third consecutive La Liga crown, a feat only the Dutchman Johan Cruyff and Spaniard Pep Guardiola have pulled off before him.

His La Liga journey started with a 2-1 win over Valencia in his first season. A 3-0 victory over Real Mallorca opened his second campaign. Now he has kept the habit going, sweeping aside Elche by a clean five goals to launch the current season.

The newspaper explained that Flick has already begun the push to defend the title for a third straight time, edging him close to Guardiola, who led Barcelona to three successive crowns between 2009 and 2011. The historic record still belongs to Cruyff, who reigned in La Liga four times in a row between 1991 and 1994.

Perfect start aside, "Mundo Deportivo" warned that the road will not be easy for the German. Real Madrid loom large, having bolstered their ranks with strong signings this summer and brought back the Portuguese José Mourinho to the dugout to reclaim the league title.

Beating Elche confirmed Barcelona's readiness to keep their grip on the domestic game. The team put on a fierce attacking display, handing Flick the ideal launch pad in his bid to join the list of the club's most successful coaches.

One full season now separates the German from matching Guardiola. To equal the record Cruyff has held for more than three decades, he needs to retain the La Liga title for a fourth season.