De Jong in, Olmo out: Hansi Flick explains Barcelona’s midfield changes vs Red Star | OneFootball

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has provided an insight into the reasoning behind the midfield tweaks in his XI to face Red Star Belgrade.

Barcelona are of course currently locked in action, on the continent.

Turning attentions back towards matters in the Champions League, the Blaugrana have made the trip to Serbia, for a meeting with the aforementioned Red Star.

Boss Hansi Flick, for his part, has opted for a trio of changes to his line-up for the clash, specifically at left-back, right-back, and in the middle of the park.

When it comes to the latter, Dani Olmo has dropped back to the bench, with Pedri having stepped forward from his deep-lying berth as a result.

And this has opened the door for Frenkie de Jong to slot in at the base of midfield, for his first start of the campaign.

Speaking to the media ahead of kick-off in Belgrade, the subject of his midfield changes was, in turn, put to Barcelona headmaster Hansi Flick.

And the German went on to explain:

“We have many good players in midfield and we have to take care of them. Frenkie has the experience and the offensive contribution. He is important with and without the ball.

“Pedri can play in many different positions and he also has defensive duties. He has performed well in the last few games and I am very happy with him.”

Conor Laird – GSFN