Hansi Flick explains why he keeps rotating Barcelona centre-backs | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have struggled to find stability at the back since losing Íñigo Martínez to Al-Nassr during the summer transfer window. The veteran was the only natural left-footed centre-back in the squad, and his departure has forced Hansi Flick to experiment heavily with his defensive line.

So far this season, Barcelona have played eight official matches, seven in La Liga and one in the Champions League, and Flick has already used different defensive combinations.

The only time the German coach repeated his backline was in the first two league games, against Mallorca and Levante, where Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, and Alejandro Balde started together.

Since then, injuries and tactical considerations have led to frequent changes. Flick has tested four different centre-back pairings: Araujo–Cubarsi (used most often, against Mallorca, Levante, Newcastle, and Oviedo), Eric Garcia–Andreas Christensen (vs. Rayo Vallecano and Getafe), Eric Garcia–Cubarsi (vs. Valencia), and Araujo–Christensen (vs. Real Sociedad).

Asked about this lack of continuity ahead of the Champions League clash with PSG, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, Flick dismissed the idea that he has yet to find his preferred duo.

“Each opponent has their own qualities, and we have to explore the opportunities we have with the players available. It’s not that I haven’t found the starting centre-backs or anything like that. We have a lot of trust and quality. You can see the injuries that both teams have, and we have to manage it.”

The Barça coach also pointed out that absences have not been limited to defence:

Despite the constant reshuffling, Flick’s tactical decisions have largely paid off. Barcelona remain unbeaten in Europe and have dropped points only once in La Liga, drawing against Rayo Vallecano. The Catalan giants will now look to extend that momentum tonight when they face PSG in a crucial Champions League encounter.