Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has been widely acclaimed for his attack-based, pressing brand of football since the German joined the club last summer.
Flick has taken his team to the top of the European scoring charts in all competitions with a never-say-die brand of attack football that is pleasing fans across the continent.
However, the high-risk, high-reward approach has also been at the cost of solidity at the back, with some within the club, including sporting director Deco, reportedly questioning whether Flick must be more adaptable in some situations.
According to Barca Reservat, The problem boiled over in the first leg of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey semi-final against Atlético Madrid, which ended in a wild 4-4 draw.
Deco was said to have let rip after the game, claiming that while Flick’s approach works against most clubs, he must be more adaptable in high-pressure games against the top clubs.
Tellingly, perhaps, Flick has taken note of this criticism because Barcelona was more disciplined in the second leg, a 1-0 victory that was thanks to a disciplined defense and Ferran Torres’s strike.
This flexibility in being able to switch from full-on attack to a more balanced style will be vital to Barcelona in the latter stages of the season.
While Flick’s attacking approach has brought the thrill and the goals, being able to switch when necessary will be vital in quietening any lingering doubts and in achieving success in both domestic and European competition.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
