Hansi Flick is set to plan two major changes for Barcelona’s Copa del Rey semi‑final second leg against Atlético Madrid.
With Barcelona trailing 4‑0 on aggregate and missing key figures through injury and suspension, the German coach is weighing bold selections that could reshape both his formation and attacking identity against a disciplined Atleti side.
Flick’s aim is to maximise rhythm, unpredictability, and pressing intensity while still preserving enough defensive solidity to survive Diego Simeone’s counters, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
The first big tweak likely involves the forward line, where Dani Olmo could be deployed as a false nine in place of a more conventional central striker.
With Robert Lewandowski sidelined by an eye socket fracture and Ferran Torres struggling for form, Flick is reportedly considering an Olmo‑centred 4‑3‑3, with Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Ferran López stretched across the front three, while Pedri operates as the main attacking midfielder.
This setup would mirror a successful false‑nine experiment from last season’s Copa del Rey, when Olmo’s work rate and link‑play helped Barcelona thrash Real Betis, and suggests that Flick wants extra movement and interplay in the final third rather than a static target man.
The second major change is expected in defence, where João Cancelo is poised to start at left‑back instead of Alejandro Balde.
Hansi Flick appears tempted to use the Portuguese winger’s attacking threat down the flank to overload Atlético’s right and force Giuliano Simeone to track back, trading a bit of defensive purity for width and penetration.
If these surprise selections click, Flick will have turned a crisis‑ridden lineup into an opportunity for tactical innovation; if they misfire, the heavier burden of a 4‑0 deficit will fall squarely on the German’s bold choices in what could be one of the season’s most decisive afternoons.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
