According to a recent report from SPORT, it has come to light that Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is taking the club’s defensive setup very seriously and is refusing to make any compromises.
The German coach has placed his trust in the backline that stood out last season, with Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, and Alejandro Balde forming the core of his preferred defence.
Add to that, it must be noted that more players from the club’s academy will make way during the 2025/26 season, with Jofre Torrents gaining prominence after his stunning performance against FC Seoul.
Flick has identified a problem
As it turns out, Flick has identified the need for better cohesion between the defensive line and new goalkeeper Joan Garcia. The manager was not pleased with Garcia’s positioning during FC Seoul’s second goal in the friendly.
The 24-year-old remained too deep on his line instead of stepping out to narrow the angle. While the shot was powerful and hard to stop, Flick saw it as a tactical lapse in positioning.
Despite some defensive frailties, Barcelona’s pre-season performances have been entertaining.
In just two games, they have scored 10 goals but also conceded four, an early sign that while the attacking play is vibrant and direct, the backline is still a work in progress.
There is a plan in place
Flick acknowledged after the match that the team needs to improve in terms of “concentration”, which he believes is a crucial foundation for long-term success.
He aims to implement a system that combines attacking intensity with defensive discipline. That includes a high press from the back four, where every player must read the game and respond quickly.
Garcia, in particular, will need to adapt to this new structure. Coming from Espanyol, where the style of play differed significantly, he must learn to play further off his line and engage more in build-up and spatial awareness.
Flick is not overly concerned, but he is focused. Defensive rigour is non-negotiable in his system, and improvements will come through structure and clarity.
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