Barca Universal
·26 Februari 2025
Flick makes major decision concerning Barcelona lineup which could affect club captain
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Yahoo sportsBarca Universal
·26 Februari 2025
Having already won one trophy this season, FC Barcelona are competing for three more as they sit atop the La Liga table while having made it to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 and the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
The first leg of the cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid last night saw the Catalans play out a highly entertaining 4-4 draw at home.
The defensive frailties that Atleti exposed on the night are a cause of concern, but despite that, manager Hansi Flick has no plans to abandon the style of play he has employed this season.
Furthermore, SPORT reports that with the season entering its decisive phase, Flick has already identified his preferred starting lineup, and from now until the end of the campaign, there will be fewer squad rotations.
Some changes will be necessary due to fixture demands, but with fewer matches remaining – one more Copa del Rey semi-final and a potential final, 13 La Liga matches, and up to seven UCL fixtures if they reach the final – Flick intends to rely on his core players.
The German’s approach is clear: this starting eleven will compete for all three titles. While squad players will still get minutes, there will be minimal changes to the lineup unless injuries, suspensions, or other circumstances dictate otherwise.
No more a regular starter. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The report further adds that Flick remains committed to starting Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez at centre-back until the end of the season.
For the Barcelona manager, Cubarsi and Martinez are the two centre-backs who best understand and execute the tactical vision that comes with his advanced defensive line.
This was evident in the recent match, where Eric Garcia was deployed in midfield and Ronald Araujo remained an unused substitute.
With Flick set to stick with Cubarsi and Martinez, Araujo’s minutes could take a major hit. The Barça captain has played just 22 minutes across the last five games and will have to settle for a rotation role moving forward.
Whether that compels Araujo to reconsider his future, having only recently signed a new contract remains to be seen.
Langsung