Barcelona introduced the beginning lineup for tonight’s La Liga recreation in opposition to RCD Mallorca an hour in the past and there was an enormous shock as supervisor Hansi Flick opted to go away Robert Lewandowski out.
The 36-year-old Polish worldwide striker has been a everlasting fixture within the crew this season, beginning every of the Catalans’ 20 matches till tonight.
Contemplating that Barça are below stress to win after securing just one level from their final three matches in La Liga, the choice got here as fairly a shock.
Flick explains his resolution to bench Lewandowski
Talking to the media simply earlier than kickoff, the Barcelona supervisor defined the choice to go away Lewandowski out of the beginning lineup.
“He has performed many minutes and it’s essential for him to relaxation. On Saturday, we now have an enormous recreation (in opposition to Actual Betis), and subsequent week as properly (in opposition to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, eleventh). I feel it’s good for him to relaxation,” Flick said.
Flick has benched Lewandowski. (Picture by Octavio Passos/Getty Pictures)
Flick additionally emphasised the significance of avoiding the errors made within the earlier three video games with a purpose to flip their current kind round.
“Effectively, we have to win this match. I feel we’re taking part in properly, however ultimately, I’ve missed about 5% extra focus, being simpler in entrance of purpose. We’d like extra focus in an important conditions, not solely to attain but in addition to defend,” the German coach defined.
Regardless of Lewandowski’s absence from the beginning eleven, the Barcelona supervisor welcomed the three key gamers: Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Marc Casado, again into the beginning XI.
“All of them play very properly with the ball. Casado is essential for us, as is Dani Olmo, who all the time is aware of what to do with the ball and has nice potential. I hope Lamine can present his high quality,” Flick remarked.
One other concern for Flick is how the crew will deal with the stress of not having received of their final three video games.
“It’s a part of the sport. We’ve a really younger crew, and we have to work on it. I really like working with younger gamers, as does my workers. We hope that right now we go away Mallorca with a victory,” he concluded.
Supply: Mundo Deportivo