Hansi Flick has hinted at a shocking defensive change for Barcelona’s clash against Elche, potentially benching a regular starter.
The German coach conducted a focused session at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, dividing players into rondos to simulate match scenarios, emphasizing the starting block from the Bernabéu loss.
With the Blaugrana five points adrift of leaders Real Madrid, Flick’s pragmatism shines through, balancing youth integration with veteran reliability amid a drip of injuries that has tested squad depth.
The shocking element emerges in defense, where Hansi Flick hinted at starting Ronald Araujo over Pau Cubarsí, a bold rotation after Cubarsí’s rest days for load management, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
In the main rondo—mirroring the probable starters—Araujo slotted in centrally alongside Eric García, with Jules Koundé at right-back and Alejandro Balde on the left.
Marc Casadó filled Pedri’s void in midfield, joining Frenkie de Jong and Fermín López, while the attack featured Lamine Yamal, Marcus Rashford, and Ferran Torres behind goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny.
This setup signals a more robust backline, leveraging Araujo’s aerial dominance and leadership to counter Elche’s counter-threats. Barça Atlètic’s Mbacké added depth as a novelty in training.
Positive news abounds elsewhere: Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, sidelined by muscle issues for Girona, Olympiacos, and Madrid, completed full group sessions and are confirmed for the squad list, injecting firepower.
Joan García advanced his meniscus recovery with individual pitch work, eyeing a pre-international break return.
Andreas Christensen, however, remains out with soleus discomfort from last Saturday, unlikely for Elche.
Flick’s hints underscore adaptability: Araujo’s inclusion could surprise, fortifying transitions against a resilient Elche side that excels in deployment.
With Pedri absent until post-November, this reshuffle tests Barcelona’s resilience. Victory at Montjuïc is imperative, reigniting the title charge.
Flick’s blend of caution and innovation positions the Blaugrana to dominate, proving depth conquers disruption.
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