Hansi Flick led Barcelona are now just 90 minutes away from a potential Champions League final, but their dramatic 3-3 draw with Inter Milan revealed weaknesses that need to be fixed immediately.
Barcelona is a good attacking side, and it’s obvious, but they showed defensive weaknesses and vulnerabilities, especially from set-pieces, which almost cost them in the first leg.
Dealing with the situation quickly has now become more urgent, especially with Jules Koundé out for the all-important second leg.
Hansi Flick will have to make some strategic decisions with this missing personnel, all of which could impact how far they go in Europe.
Koundé’s absence at right-back is massive, he has been integral to Barcelona’s success this season.
Reports from AS indicate that Barcelona will potentially employ Eric García as a right-back, which could be a risk due to García being versatile but not an experienced full-back.
After Koundé got injured in the first leg, García came on and offered Barcelona some adaptability as he played at various defensive positions this season, but playing in the San Siro atmosphere is a different kettle of fish altogether.
Flick’s staff will have to painstakingly prepare García on how to use his technical composure to be solid defensively against Inter’s wing play.
Inter exploited Barcelona’s weaknesses ruthlessly in the first leg; a misplaced pass or positional slip against an Italian side might destroy any hopes of a comeback.
There is a hope: Alejandro Balde’s return.
The highly athletic left-back has been out of action since April and is expected to make himself available to play in the second leg.
Balde’s return will help put balance back in Barcelona’s backline.
His pace and ability to push forward can help defend Inter’s threats wide and provide another outlet on transition attempts to counter.
As Barcelona prepares to play their biggest game in years, Flick must piece together a makeshift defense without changing the fundamental way that Barcelona attacks.
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