Barcelona veteran superstar set for reduced role next season as Flick plans tactical tweaks | OneFootball

According to AS, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is preparing big changes for next season, with plans to use a false nine system more regularly.

This shift could see Dani Olmo benefit with more central attacking opportunities, while veteran striker Robert Lewandowski is expected to see his role reduced.

Flick and his staff believe that Lewandowski, despite his incredible goalscoring record, no longer has the same intensity and movement needed to lead the line in Flick’s dynamic style of play.

Barcelona are not planning to sign a new striker this year, but the club’s leadership knows they must eventually replace Lewandowski, whose contract runs out at the end of the 2025/26 season.

By then, they will enter the market for a new number nine, but in the meantime, they plan to rely less on the Polish forward.

Flick wants a faster and more flexible attack, and introducing a false nine system is a key part of that plan.

Olmo and Ferran to play more

Robert Lewandowski will play a reduced role next season. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

With the wings locked down thanks to Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, questions have arisen about who will lead the line for Barcelona next season.

All signs point to Olmo stepping into the false nine role. Last season, he excelled in this position during matches against Valladolid in La Liga and Betis in the Copa del Rey, where he provided two assists.

These performances convinced Flick that Olmo can thrive as a central attacker who drops deep to link play and create space for wingers.

Barcelona are also hopeful that Ferran Torres will continue developing as an option for the center forward role, giving the team more versatility. The first step, however, will be a conversation between Flick and Lewandowski.

Despite scoring an impressive 42 goals last season, the club knows it must look to the future.

With Lewandowski turning 37 this year, Flick aims to transition towards a younger, quicker front line capable of surprising opponents with movement and energy, while still appreciating the veteran striker’s valuable experience.