Flick finalises Barcelona lineup and three tactical plans for Newcastle game – report | OneFootball

Barcelona barely have time between their win over Athletic Club and the clash against Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League, and Hansi Flick was thus forced to rotate his troops rather heavily at the weekend owing to the same.

Having taken all three points despite the rotations in the Basque Country, Barcelona now turn all their attention to the Round of 16 first-leg at St James’ Park – a venue where they have already won earlier this season.

Ahead of the game, Hansi Flick has a clear idea of the players he will count on against Newcastle United and his tactics for the same.

Flick’s ideas

As claimed by AS, Flick’s lineup against the Premier League side is almost finalised.

Joan Garcia will start in goal with Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo starting in defence.

Pedri, Marc Bernal and Fermin Lopez are expected to man and control the midfield, while Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will start alongside Ferran Torres or Robert Lewandowski in attack. Only the number 9 decision worries Flick.

Flick has everything mapped out for Newcastle clash. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

In terms of his tactics, the manager has conveyed three important guidelines for his team, all of which are designed to play out a safe and dominant first leg.

For starters, the manager has told his troops to see out the opening phase of the game countering Newcastle United’s energy and high-press – something which is regularly associated with them at home.

He has asked the team to keep a close eye on their counter-attacks and to prevent them stemming from the press.

Secondly, he has told his side to remain focused throughout the game and to avoid any disconnections or lapses in concentration. After all, the 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the cup stemmed from the same and the team cannot afford to slip into second gear at any point.

Finally, Flick has asked his team to play with maturity and experience in seeing the game out without any adverse situations for the second leg.

The team has taken serious steps in that regard since the UCL defeat to Inter Milan last season, and they will look to continue that growth on the night.