Hansi Flick is set to spring a major surprise with a shock lineup for the upcoming El Clásico against Real Madrid.
The German coach, under pressure to secure the La Liga title in front of a packed Camp Nou, has used the week’s sessions to hard‑wire a new structure built around high‑press triggers, a double pivot with more defensive security, and a more compact front three that prioritises verticality over the wide‑man spectacle.
The club indicate that Flick has been experimenting with dropping a recognised winger in favour of an extra central midfielder, and with a surprise starter at left‑back, sending a clear signal that this Clásico will be approached with a more cautious, block‑first philosophy than the attacking free‑flow he has often showcased this season.
The configuration Flick tested had Joan Garcia in goal, a back four of Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, and Joao Cancelo, with Pedri and Gavi in the middle of the park, as per Marca.
Up front, Roony Bardghji, Dani Olmo, and Fermin Lopez were deployed in support of Robert Lewandowski.
That said, several question marks hang over the final XI. Garcia appears to be the only certain starter, while the right-back slot is still up for debate — Kounde featured in training, but Eric Garcia is also in the running for that position.
The midfield isn’t fully settled either, with Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia both potential partners for Pedri depending on how Flick wants to set up tactically.
In the attack, the absence of Lamine Yamal adds another layer of uncertainty.
Bardghji took part in the session but hasn’t entirely won over the coaching staff with his recent form, meaning Marcus Rashford could force his way into the starting eleven despite not featuring in the open training run-through.
Up top, Lewandowski looks to have the edge over Ferran Torres for the striker role, at least based on what was seen in Saturday’s session.
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