Barcelona manager planning heavy defensive shake-up for the Rayo Vallecano clash | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is weighing up some key defensive changes as his side prepare to face Rayo Vallecano for the third La Liga match.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the German coach has been analysing his backline closely and is not fully convinced by the current setup, especially after the departure of Inigo Martinez.

So far, Flick has relied on the same defensive line in both league games. Against Mallorca, his back four featured Eric Garcia at right-back, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi as his centre-backs, and Alejandro Balde on the left.

While that unit managed to keep a clean sheet, the coach still feels that his defensive structure is not fully stable.

As a result, he is considering several tactical tweaks to get the best out of his players.

Options on the table for Barcelona’s backline

One of Flick’s main ideas is to restore Cubarsi to his preferred position on the right side of central defence. If this adjustment is made, Araujo could then be shifted to the left.

Eric Garcia could feature as a centre-back. (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)

Another option under consideration would be to remove Araujo from the starting XI while moving Garcia into the middle of defence, leaving Jules Kounde to operate on the wing.

There are also fresh alternatives depending on squad availability. If Gerard Martin is officially registered, Flick may turn to him as a left centre-back option.

Furthermore, Andreas Christensen is another candidate for the same role, giving the coach some depth to work with as he reshuffles the backline.

With a couple of training sessions left before the Rayo Vallecano clash, Flick has time to test these different combinations on the pitch.

His goal will be to find a balanced defensive setup that not only brings stability but also allows Barcelona to maintain their fluid, attacking style of play.

The days leading upto the match will reveal whether the manager opts for continuity or chooses to make the changes to strengthen his defence ahead of the upcoming La Liga fixture.