Barcelona change pre-match protocol ahead of Benfica clash after loss of first-team doctor | OneFootball

Barcelona have made a change in its pre-match protocol for Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Benfica, reports SPORT.

Instead of the usual pre-match press conference featuring both a player and the head coach for European fixtures, only Hansi Flick will speak to the media.

Following the tragic passing of first-team doctor Carles Minarro on Saturday, Barcelona requested that UEFA allow them to forgo a player’s participation in the press conference.

The governing body agreed without issue, as the club seeks to protect a squad still reeling from the emotional shock of the sudden loss.

Flick will be responsible for answering journalists’ questions in what could be an unusual press conference, with discussions likely extending beyond football matters for the first time since the tragedy.

Barcelona face Benfica on Tuesday night in the Champions League. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Before the press conference, Barcelona will hold their final training session at 11:00 AM in preparation for Tuesday’s crucial fixture.

The squad already trained on Sunday and now faces the difficult task of staying focused and competitive amidst the emotional turmoil.

The Catalan giants secured an important 1-0 victory against Benfica, putting them in a strong position for the second leg.

Flick’s team managed to win despite being reduced to ten men after the 23rd-minute dismissal of Pau Cubarsi.

The youngster will thus be suspended for the reverse fixture and as things stand Ronald Araujo appears the likeliest to replace Cubarsi at the heart of the Barça defence against Bruni Lage’s side.