As the football world prepares for El Clasico on Sunday, we shift our focus to Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, who will need to void his way of movements and exploit wrongly, while hoping to stunt, creativity from Real Madrid in a match that could impact the title race in La Liga, no manager has won four Clasicos in the same season.
Flick has planned his starting XI methodically with experience and prospects in mind, even coming back from a poor showing against Inter Milan in the Champions League.
Diario Sport says Flick has made his choice, repeating the team for the El Clasico that faced Inter, indicating he trusts his squad to deliver.
Barcelona fans will be hoping that careful selection will lead to a performance that will bring them even closer to La Liga success, one of football’s fiercest rivalries.
Flick is continuing with Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi at center-back, and looking to draw Martial qualities from Martinez to combat Madrid’s attacking threat.
At full-back, Gerard Martin and Eric Garcia will continue their collaboration, even with Alejandro Balde back fit after four weeks from injury, he is likely to start on the bench because of match fitness issues.
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Dani Olmo remain unchanged, and Dani Olmo likely won out over the in-form Fermin Lopez, who was hoping to nab his starting XI spot instead of Olmo.
The first talking point is upfront.
Robert Lewandowski, a known goal-scoring threat, is available but is not at full sharpness after his recovery.
Flick is likely considering Ferran Torres to lead the line with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Torres’ recent form and pace potentially make him a lethal option to exploit a shaky Madrid back line in a high-tempo game.
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