FC Barcelona has primarily had Dutch or Spanish coaches over the years, who have enforced a rigid positional and possession-based approach. But Barcelona’s play has become more vertical and high-pressing since the German tactician Hansi Flick was hired.
The Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana have already been won by Flick in his debut season. Barca is in the lead to win La Liga with four games remaining. They also advanced to the Champions League semifinals before losing to Inter 6-7 overall.
According to the club’s long-standing 4-3-3 formation, Flick appears to employ it. On closer inspection, however, it becomes clear that Flick switches his 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1, with Wojciech Szczesny in goal; Alejandro Balde (Hector Fort), Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, and Jules Kounde in the backline; Frankie de Jong, Pedri Gonzalez, or Pablo Gavi in the midfield two; Lamine Yamal and Raphinha as the right and left wingers; Dani Olmo as an attacking midfielder (No. 10); and Robert Lewandowski as the only goalscorer.
Hansi Flick calls up another new face to training ahead of El Clasico
The Swiss center-half was one of the most prominent members of Juliano Belletti’s Under-19 squad, who won the historic treble this season. In preparation for tomorrow’s game against Real Madrid, Hansi Flick has called up Kospo, who is well-liked at the club, for his first senior squad practice.
Although the teenage prodigy is unlikely to be named in the game’s squad, the young player will ultimately benefit from the chance to work with the first team squad.
Noah Darvich and Landry Farre, who were in the squad for the previous two games, did not train with the senior team because they were back in the Barça Atlètic lineup for their important meeting later today. Pablo Torre, Marc Bernal, and Jules Kounde remain the key absences due to injuries.
