Barcelona change pre-match protocol forward of Benfica conflict after lack of first-team physician

Barcelona have made a change in its pre-match protocol for Tuesday’s Champions League conflict in opposition to Benfica, experiences SPORT.

As a substitute of the standard pre-match press convention that includes each a participant and the pinnacle coach for European fixtures, solely Hansi Flick will converse to the media.

Following the tragic passing of first-team physician Carles Minarro on Saturday, Barcelona requested that UEFA permit them to forgo a participant’s participation within the press convention.

The governing physique agreed with out challenge, because the membership seeks to guard a squad nonetheless reeling from the emotional shock of the sudden loss.

Flick will probably be chargeable for answering journalists’ questions in what could possibly be an uncommon press convention, with discussions probably extending past soccer issues for the primary time for the reason that tragedy.

Barcelona face Benfica on Tuesday night time within the Champions League. (Picture by Gualter Fatia/Getty Pictures)

Earlier than the press convention, Barcelona will maintain their last coaching session at 11:00 AM in preparation for Tuesday’s essential fixture.

The squad already educated on Sunday and now faces the troublesome job of staying centered and aggressive amidst the emotional turmoil.

The Catalan giants secured an vital 1-0 victory in opposition to Benfica, placing them in a powerful place for the second leg.

Flick’s group managed to win regardless of being decreased to 10 males after the Twenty third-minute dismissal of Pau Cubarsi.

The teenager will thus be suspended for the reverse fixture and as issues stand Ronald Araujo seems the likeliest to exchange Cubarsi on the coronary heart of the Barça defence in opposition to Bruni Lage’s facet.