Flick under pressure: Key problems the Barcelona coach must solve once season resumes | OneFootball

Following a shocking 4-1 defeat to Sevilla, Barcelona had to go into the international break losing their top spot in the league table.

But most importantly, the defeat sent an alarming message to Hansi Flick that the team is nowhere near as competitive as last season and that there are many cracks forming within the squad.

With back-to-back defeats in all competitions, the pressure is now on Hansi Flick to deliver, reports MARCA, which has also listed key problem areas that the coach must solve.

Key problems Flick’s Barcelona are facing at the moment

As per the report, one of the most glaring issues is Barcelona’s tendency to begin matches on the back foot.

The team has started four out of eight matches this season trailing, which is completely unacceptable for a team competing for all titles this season.

While Flick and key players like Cubarsi and Deco have acknowledged the need for greater intensity, solutions remain elusive. Flick has also decided to go through additional sessions with Araujo amid concerns over his form.

Defensive lapses have hurt Barcelona badly this season. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Another key problem area is Barcelona’s tactical approach ahead of crucial matches. The team failed to fully appreciate Sevilla’s pressing power and readiness, resulting in midfield vulnerabilities.

Flick opted for a softer midfield pairing of Pedri and De Jong, bypassing options like Casado or Eric Garcia, which left the bench without impact players for a comeback.

Such decisions have fueled concerns about game preparation and adaptability, thus putting more pressure on Flick.

Similar errors were evident in the heavy defeat at Osasuna last season, as Barcelona underestimated the opposition’s intensity.

Therefore, once the season resumes, starting with a home game against Girona on October 18, Flick must embrace pragmatism and perhaps even maintain some consistency when it comes to his team selection, if Barcelona are to return to winning ways.