As Barcelona prepares for their pre-season friendly against Japanese side Vissel Kobe at Noevir Stadium, the team faces a minor setback with one of their promising talents sidelined.
This match, marking the start of the Blaugrana’s Asia Tour, offers Hansi Flick a chance to refine the team’s tactical approach, blending their signature possession play with a high-pressing, vertical style.
Vissel Kobe, currently leading the J1 League, brings a disciplined defensive structure and quick counter-attacking threat, making this an ideal test for Barcelona to build cohesion and momentum ahead of the competitive season.
The absent player is Marc Bernal, an 18-year-old La Masia midfielder who has been ruled out due to his ongoing recovery from an ACL injury sustained last season, as reported by Gerard Romero.
Despite traveling with the squad to Japan, Bernal’s absence is a precautionary measure to ensure his full rehabilitation, with the club prioritizing his long-term development.
The young midfielder, known for his composure, vision, and ability to anchor the midfield, has been tipped as a future star, and his injury has disappointed those hoping to see him gain valuable pre-season minutes.
Barcelona’s coaching staff remains optimistic about their squad depth, with nearly all other players available for selection.
Flick is expected to use this match to experiment with tactical setups, focusing on maintaining possession while exploiting Kobe’s defensive gaps through quick transitions.
The absence of Bernal, while a blow, provides an opportunity for other midfielders to step up and showcase their abilities against a resilient opponent.
This friendly serves as a critical step in Barcelona’s pre-season preparations, allowing Flick to assess his squad’s readiness and integrate new and returning players.
As the Blaugrana aim to assert their dominance, Vissel Kobe’s organized approach will demand focus and precision.
The match promises to be an exciting display of Barcelona’s evolving style, setting the tone for a promising campaign.
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