Hansi Flick's Strategic Changes as Barcelona Faces Barbastro in Copa del Rey Opener
FC Barcelona will begin their 2025 campaign with a Copa del Rey tie against Barbastro, and manager Hansi Flick has made several significant adjustments to his starting lineup. The match, taking place on January 4, 2025, offers Barcelona a fresh start, following a challenging period with registration issues surrounding two key players, Dani Olmo and Pau Victor.
Despite these complications, which have seen both players temporarily unavailable, Flick remains positive about the team's atmosphere. At a pre-match press conference, he highlighted the upbeat mood within the squad, noting that the players are focused, competitive, and enjoying their time on the field. It's clear that Barcelona’s new manager is doing everything to maintain morale, even as off-field issues linger. In the face of adversity, Flick emphasized the importance of getting a solid result in this Copa del Rey fixture, noting how challenging last year’s meeting with Barbastro was, as Barcelona narrowly won 3-2 under previous coach Xavi Hernández.
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In terms of lineup changes, the most notable inclusion is Wojciech Szczesny, who will make his debut for Barcelona in goal. The Polish goalkeeper had come out of retirement earlier in the season due to Marc-André ter Stegen's injury, but this is his first official appearance. He will be partnered by the defensive stalwart Ronald Araujo, who returns after injury, alongside veteran center-back Inigo Martinez. This new defensive formation shows a clear shift in Barcelona's defensive strategy, especially with Gerard Martin and Jules Kounde taking on the full-back roles.
Flick has also made tactical changes in midfield, with Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia stepping in as the double pivots, replacing Pedri and Marc Casadao. Despite this reshuffling, Pedri will still feature as the central attacking midfielder (CAM), with Fermin Lopez and Pablo Torre flanking him in more advanced roles. This setup is designed to provide creativity in the attacking third while maintaining a solid foundation in defense.
The Copa del Rey is a crucial competition for Barcelona, and Flick’s tactical shifts demonstrate his determination to navigate through the difficulties and maximize the squad’s potential. As Barcelona seeks to move past the registration issues and focus on on-field performances, they’ll need to stay concentrated and bring their best from the start against a determined Barbastro side. The match will not only be a test of Barcelona's tactical depth but also an opportunity for Flick to cement his vision for the team as they kick off a new year and a fresh chapter in the tournament.
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