Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side has appeared to play progressively better with each game that passes. Thanks to the German tactician’s high-intensity football, La Blaugrana are now a unit that continues to pile on the pressure on their opponents. Despite it being an exhausting tactic, Barcelona have reaped the rewards of it so far.
Now, after a rather tiring international break for several players, club football returns at last. For Barcelona, that means a great challenge against Sevilla in the Montjuic Stadium before the two big tests that will arrive in the form of clashes against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
However, even for the encounter against Sevilla, there are some big questions that Barcelona coach Hansi Flick will have to address during the match and before it as well, according to SPORT. From the dilemma in the frontline to the midfield concerns, a lot of different kinds of issues need to be addressed promptly.
Finding the balance in attack:
With Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski not guaranteed to start due to their respective physical issues, and the likes of Raphinha being fatigued due to an exhausting international break with Brazil, Hansi Flick may have to make some rotations in attack. Ferran Torres is also injured so the likely candidates that are left are essentially limited to Ansu Fati and Pau Victor.
Midfield chaos:
Due to the reports and expectation that many key players will return for the game against Sevilla, Hansi Flick may finally have a complete midfield to choose from. However, given how recently some of those players will have returned to the squad, it is perhaps for the best if Barcelona limits their involvement in the very first game.
As such, the decision to choose between the available options will be another one that could define how the game goes. The likes of Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, and possibly even Gavi could return for this game, but Flick will likely have to choose from the likes of Pablo Torre, Pedri, Marc Casado, and Eric Garcia to lead his team’s midfield as starters.
The Dutchman or the Spaniard:
Both Eric Garcia and Frenkie de Jong are options that Barcelona could use as starting pivots against Sevilla. In the event that Marc Casado retains his place as a starter for the team, either of the Spaniard or the Dutchman could get to start in the other spot. Interestingly, both players bring a unique kind of input into the team and Flick’s judgement will ultimately decide which one of the two gets the nod.
