Hansi Flick is fine-tuning a shock defensive alteration ahead of the Valencia clash, aiming to give his side a fresh and unpredictable edge.
FC Barcelona’s technical staff concluded their final tactical drills at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper with a noticeable structural realignment ahead of Sunday’s demanding La Liga trip to Mestalla.
With the summer transfer window officially closed, the club unexpectedly opted against recruiting a central defender despite sanctioned departures leaving thin natural depth across the backline.
The 27-year-old international defender, tested extensively in central defense during recent training sessions, is French star Jules Koundé.
According to a report by Diario Sport, Hansi Flick integrated Koundé directly into the heart of Barcelona’s back four alongside Pau Cubarsí during key tactical drills.
Although Koundé has established himself predominantly as a world-class right-back throughout his recent campaigns in Catalonia, his foundational background as a central defender at Sevilla makes his central deployment a powerful, immediate solution.
The decision to test Koundé centrally stems directly from the current composition of Barcelona’s squad.
Following the summer exits of Ronald Araújo and Álvaro Cortés, Flick is left with Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, and Andreas Christensen as his only recognized natural options for central defense.
While Eric García remains capable of covering the position, his frequent utility in central midfield and right-back requires Flick to establish additional top-tier depth through internal positional shifts.
By re-deploying Koundé centrally, Flick gains vital recovery pace, physical aggression, and elite one-on-one defending capabilities required to maintain an aggressive high line.
Having not started the current season as an undisputed choice on the right flank, Koundé’s ability to seamlessly bridge multiple roles presents him with an immediate avenue to reclaim a dominant starter’s role.
Whether Hansi Flick opts to launch Koundé alongside Cubarsí from the opening whistle against Valencia or keep the system fluid, the tactical adjustment offers Barcelona crucial flexibility ahead of a congested fixture list.
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