Hansi Flick tests new defensive setup with €65m Barcelona player at centre-back ahead of Atletico Madrid clash | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are heading into what could be their most decisive night of the season, with everything on the line against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano. Following a difficult first leg, the Catalans know that there is no room for error if they are to keep their UEFA Champions League dream alive.

With that in mind, the spotlight naturally shifts towards Hansi Flick and the kind of decisions he is preparing behind the scenes. In games of this magnitude, it is often the smallest tactical calls that end up making the biggest difference.

That is exactly why Barcelona’s final training session carried so much importance. Far from being a routine runout, it offered a glimpse into the ideas Flick is considering as he looks to find the right balance for such a high-stakes encounter.

According to Mundo Deportivo, one of the most notable calls from that session involved Jules Kounde. The €65 million-rated French defender was tested in central defence alongside Gerard Martin, a role that was originally his when he first arrived at FC Barcelona, before eventually being shifted to right back.

The timing of this potential switch is no coincidence. With Pau Cubarsi unavailable due to suspension, Flick is left with a key gap to fill at the heart of his defence. In that context, options such as Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia also remain firmly in the frame.

During the session itself, Flick is believed to have tested a full starting XI. Joan Garcia was positioned in goal, with Araujo operating at right back. Kounde and Gerard Martin formed the central pairing, while Joao Cancelo slotted in on the left.

In midfield, a double pivot of Eric Garcia and Pedri was deployed. Further forward, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Marcus Rashford operated behind Robert Lewandowski in what appears to be a clear push towards finding a balance between attacking intent and defensive solidity.

Still, whether this was the actual plan or just another test remains to be seen. Flick is fully aware that even training sessions at this stage do not go unnoticed, especially with opposition eyes potentially watching closely.

There are other routes available to him as well. Araujo could shift back into central defence with Kounde returning to right back, while in midfield, Gavi or the returning Frenkie de Jong could partner Pedri, depending on the approach.

In attack, Ferran Torres is pushing for a start after his recent brace, while combinations involving Fermin Lopez offer Flick additional flexibility.

For now, the doubts remain. However, once the official lineup is released before kickoff, everything will become clear for Barcelona on what is set to be a defining night.