Flick explains decision to not start Barcelona midfield maestro vs Villarreal – ‘We have to manage…’ | OneFootball

With FC Barcelona set to take on Villarreal at the Spotify Camp Nou in a few minutes, manager Hansi Flick has already announced the starting lineup.

And, one of the surprises in the Catalans’ starting XI against the Yellow Submarine was Pedri being named among the substitutes.

The midfield maestro made his comeback from injury against Levante last weekend and was tipped to start today, especially with Frenkie de Jong getting sidelined with an injury.

However, Flick has opted not to start the Spaniard, instead going for an unfamiliar midfield made up of Marc Bernal, Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez.

Speaking to the broadcasters ahead of kickoff, Flick explained the decision to leave Pedri on the bench, saying:

“We’re playing with our usual tactics, we’ve decided that Pedri will play a bit in the second half, we have to manage De Jong ‘s injury and Pedri’s return.”

Explaining why Marc Bernal is in the lineup for a second consecutive game, the Barcelona head coach added:

“Bernal maintains the team structure and he’s ready.”

Concluding, Flick highlighted that the game against Villarreal will be anything but easy, as he said:

“We made many mistakes in the last match against Villarreal. They are a very fast team, but they also play very well with the ball.”

Barcelona go into the game as leaders of La Liga, with a one-point advantage over second-placed Real Madrid.

A victory against Marcelino’s men will stretch their lead to four points, putting pressure on their rivals, who play Getafe on Monday night.