Hansi Flick sends clear warning as Barcelona begins Copa del Rey journey

Barcelona start their Copa del Rey marketing campaign tonight with an away journey to face CD Guadalajara, and there will likely be no sense of complacency throughout the travelling camp.

In keeping with a report from SPORT, Hansi Flick has delivered a agency and unmistakable message to his gamers forward of the tie that this competitors issues, and there will likely be no shortcuts.

The top coach has made his intentions clear via his actions. Barcelona are travelling with all accessible first-team gamers.

Even Joan Garcia has been included within the squad, regardless of not being anticipated to characteristic.

For Flick, there aren’t any concessions in relation to official competitions, whatever the opponent or the stage of the match.

No nonsense method

Maybe the strongest sign of all is Flick’s dealing with of Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker had been carrying some bodily discomfort, which saved him out of the current league fixture in opposition to Osasuna.

Even so, Flick has opted to not relaxation him fully, reinforcing the concept the Copa del Rey is a transparent goal for Barcelona this season.

There’s a sturdy consciousness throughout the teaching employees that cup competitions might be unforgiving.

Going through a Primera Federacion aspect doesn’t change that actuality. The message to the dressing room is straightforward – respect the opponent, respect the competitors.

That mentioned, the beginning XI is predicted to replicate a steadiness. Flick is prone to combine established starters with gamers who’ve seen fewer minutes to date this season, in addition to chosen academy prospects.

This might open the door for Tommy Marques, who’s pushing exhausting and could also be handed his first-team debut.

Equally, the match presents an necessary alternative for Marc Bernal to proceed rebuilding his match sharpness and rhythm.

Even with these potential modifications, the sport is not going to be handled as a laboratory experiment, as Flick’s calls for stay fixed.