Barcelona appoints sleep scientist Anna West to optimize performance

FC Barcelona has officially recruited Dr. Anna West, a specialist and researcher in sleep science, to join the club's staff. The appointment was initiated by head coach Hansi Flick. Dr. West is tasked with analyzing the sleep patterns of the players and developing tailored rest programs. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance athlete recovery, increase energy levels, and optimize overall performance during training sessions and competitive matches. Additionally, the club hopes that improved sleep quality will assist in the faster rehabilitation of injured players. This move reflects a growing trend in professional football to integrate specialized scientific expertise into performance staff. The hiring was confirmed in February 2026 as part of the team's ongoing efforts to improve health and conditioning.