Hansi Flick tests new defensive setup with €65m Barcelona player at centre-back ahead of Atletico Madrid clash

FC Barcelona are heading into what could possibly be their most decisive night time of the season, with every thing on the road in opposition to Atletico Madrid on the Metropolitano. Following a tough first leg, the Catalans know that there is no such thing as a room for error if they’re to maintain their UEFA Champions League dream alive.

With that in thoughts, the highlight naturally shifts in direction of Hansi Flick and the type of choices he’s making ready behind the scenes. In video games of this magnitude, it’s typically the smallest tactical calls that find yourself making the most important distinction.

That’s precisely why Barcelona’s closing coaching session carried a lot significance. Removed from being a routine runout, it supplied a glimpse into the concepts Flick is contemplating as he seems to seek out the precise steadiness for such a high-stakes encounter.

In line with Sports activities Worldone of the crucial notable calls from that session concerned Jules Kounde. The €65 million-rated French defender was examined in central defence alongside Gerard Martin, a job that was initially his when he first arrived at FC Barcelona, earlier than finally being shifted to proper again.

The timing of this potential change is not any coincidence. With Pau Cubarsi unavailable resulting from suspension, Flick is left with a key hole to fill on the coronary heart of his defence. In that context, choices reminiscent of Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia additionally stay firmly within the body.

In the course of the session itself, Flick is believed to have examined a full beginning XI. Joan Garcia was positioned in purpose, with Araujo working at proper again. Kounde and Gerard Martin shaped the central pairing, whereas Joao Cancelo slotted in on the left.

In midfield, a double pivot of Eric Garcia and Pedri was deployed. Additional ahead, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Marcus Rashford operated behind Robert Lewandowski in what seems to be a transparent push in direction of discovering a steadiness between attacking intent and defensive solidity.

Nonetheless, whether or not this was the precise plan or simply one other check stays to be seen. Flick is totally conscious that even coaching classes at this stage don’t go unnoticed, particularly with opposition eyes probably watching carefully.

There are different routes out there to him as effectively. Araujo might shift again into central defence with Kounde returning to proper again, whereas in midfield, Gavi or the returning Frenkie de Jong might companion Pedri, relying on the method.

In assault, Ferran Torres is pushing for a begin after his latest bracewhereas mixtures involving Fermin Lopez provide Flick further flexibility.

For now, the doubts stay. Nevertheless, as soon as the official lineup is launched earlier than kickoff, every thing will turn out to be clear for Barcelona on what is ready to be a defining night time.