Hansi Flick is basically glad with Barcelona’s efficiency this season. Regardless of occasional dips in kind and lapses in focus which have value the staff clear victories, he believes the membership is constructing a strong challenge with a vibrant future.
The Blaugrana have been notably spectacular in assault, however Flick is conscious that their defensive steadiness wants enchancment in high-stakes matches, such because the current conflict towards Atletico Madrid.
Flick needs a brand new full-back
Because of this, SPORT experiences that Flick has requested Barcelona to signal a high-quality full-back able to enjoying on each flanks, and the membership will do every little thing doable to fulfil his request.
In his preliminary discussions with sporting director Deco final summer season, Flick was clear that the squad may compete for all titles with a number of changes.
The German tactician requested one or two game-changing attacking gamers and would have preferred a right-back after assessing that the defensive midfield function may very well be dealt with internally by Marc Bernal and Marc Casado.
On the time, Barcelona got here near signing Marc Pubill, however monetary constraints prevented the deal. The membership additionally missed out on Joao Cancelo’s everlasting signing.
Flick needs a brand new full-back. (Picture by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Photos)
After totally analysing Xavi’s Barcelona, Flick concluded that the staff suffered considerably in huge defensive areas.
This season, he has tried to compensate with excessive urgent and a complicated defensive position – a method that has labored effectively at instances however has additionally uncovered sure weaknesses like Tuesday’s recreation towards Atletico Madrid.
Whereas changes will likely be made, the teaching employees believes that signing a specialist full-back would supply a much-needed increase.
Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde stay undisputed starters and have performed practically each recreation. Their backups, Hector Fort and Gerard Martin, have had alternatives however nonetheless require extra expertise on the prime stage.
Barcelona have already begun planning for the subsequent season, and Deco is effectively conscious of the staff’s shortcomings. The first goals stay a world-class left-winger and a flexible full-back.
At this stage, it’s unclear whether or not Barça can have the monetary flexibility to make signings, however the sporting division is exploring choices earlier than making a ultimate resolution.