Hansi Flick is done experimenting with a star defender’s role, restoring balance for Barcelona’s La Liga charge.
As the Blaugrana secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Girona, Flick faced challenges in stabilizing his backline, particularly with key absences forcing positional adjustments.
The reliance on youth and makeshift roles exposed vulnerabilities, prompting a decisive shift to address a recurring issue that has hindered defensive cohesion.
According to Diario Sport, Hansi Flick ended his experiments with Pau Cubarsí, reverting the 18-year-old La Masia star to his natural right-center-back role against Girona.
Previously, Cubarsí played left-center-back in seven of 10 games to compensate for Iñigo Martínez’s departure to Saudi Arabia, but his discomfort was evident. Paired with Eric Garcia, who shifted left, Cubarsí thrived, completing 99 of 101 passes (98%), including 49 of 51 in the rival half, per Sofascore.
His heat map showed increased influence in attack, nearly scoring before a controversial call by Gil Manzano nullified his effort.
Cubarsí’s return to the right unleashed his ball-playing prowess, a hallmark of his breakout 2024/25 season, where he started 27 games.
However, Barcelona’s defense struggled, with Girona exploiting balls in behind, exposing a shaky offside trap.
Cubarsí’s 3-of-4 long passes hurt Girona’s compact setup, but his defensive lapses mirrored the team’s, as Flick’s high line was repeatedly breached.
The shift highlights Flick’s frustration with forced experiments, as Cubarsí’s natural role enhances Barcelona’s build-up play.
His adaptability echoed lessons from Martínez: “Iñigo taught me key actions. I’ll play anywhere to help.”
With Ronald Araujo’s late winner masking defensive frailties, Flick’s decision to prioritize Cubarsí’s strengths signals a focus on stability.
As El Clasico looms, this move, alongside reliance on talents like Lamine Yamal, aims to solidify Barcelona’s title charge, but defensive tweaks remain critical to avoid further cracks.
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