Hansi Flick is set to make 2 major changes against Elche as Barcelona boss prepares bold tactical shake-up for the crucial La Liga encounter.
Hansi Flick is poised to shake up his Barcelona lineup for Saturday’s crucial La Liga clash with Elche, aiming to protect the club’s slender one-point lead over Real Madrid while managing a packed schedule after Wednesday’s 4-1 Champions League rout of Copenhagen.
With key returns from suspension and the bench boosting squad depth, the German coach eyes tactical tweaks to restore defensive steel and give star attackers vital rest ahead of the title race’s white-hot stretch.
Those changes centre on Frenkie de Jong and Ferran Torres, both in line to start according to Mundo Deportivo.
De Jong’s suspension ends, slotting him back into midfield to let Eric Garcia shift from holding duties to central defence alongside Pau Cubarsí—addressing Barcelona’s unwanted record of conceding in 11 straight Champions League games.
Ferran, now fully fit after bench duty versus Copenhagen, replaces Robert Lewandowski up top, granting the Polish hitman a breather while unleashing the Spaniard’s 15-goal haul this term.
Flick’s rotation philosophy thrives here: De Jong’s composure (post-suspension freshness) rebuilds midfield control missing without Pedri, while Ferran’s directness exploits Elche’s mid-table frailty.
García-Cubarsí reunites as the youth duo Hansi Flick trusts most, their synergy vital after Copenhagen’s high press exposed Eric’s deeper role.
Lewandowski’s rest preserves his 20+ goal chase; Ferran—€45m offers rejected—proves his worth amid long-term No. 9 succession talk.
Elche lurk as banana skin: unbeaten in seven, but Barça’s momentum (four straight wins) and home firepower scream dominance.
Victory stretches the gap to four points, silencing Madrid pressure before February’s European resumption.
Hansi Flick-ball demands versatility—squad depth trumps fatigue.
De Jong-Ferran axis signals ruthless intent: Elche crushed, title grip tightened.
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