FC Barcelona are set to take on Deportivo Alaves in La Liga on Sunday in what will be the last game before the international break. Hansi Flick’s men will be hoping to end the period on a high with a memorable performance.
The last time Barcelona played a game just before the international break, it was against Real Valladolid. It was the game when Hansi Flick’s team truly came into life, dismantling their opposition 7-0 and one would hope for a similar performance against Alaves.
This result becomes even more important considering Barcelona lost 4-2 last weekend to Osasuna and as per Mundo Deportivo, Hansi Flick is aware that Barcelona cannot afford to make the same mistakes they did in that game.
The German coach was the first to admit that the same things that happened against the Pampalona-based team cannot happen again. Here is what he had to say:
“We believe in having a high intensity from the start. We know that Alavés play aggressively. We must not make as many mistakes as in Pamplona. Possession is very important. We must create chances and score goals.”
Flick also seemed to hint that there will not be a need for rotations against Alaves. He continued: “I said it during the match, I think Pamplona was the time, there were games in a row, to make rotations. We are 100%, I hope the situation will be different tomorrow.”
As much as one must not be making excuses, it is no secret that the massive rotation was one of the main reasons Barcelona lost the game to Osasuna last weekend. However, the players who needed rest had to be rested and that’s what Flick did.
A victory over Alaves would see Barcelona go three points clear at the top of La Liga. It would give the club a good chance to go into the international break in an optimistic mood. When they return in October, a hectic schedule awaits them.
Let’s wait and see how Hansi Flick sets his team up against Alaves and if it results in Barcelona getting the three points. Only time will tell how it goes.