Flick explains the changes to Barcelona XI vs Athletic Club – ‘Have to look at the past, but also the future’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will lock horns with Athletic Club in a matter of minutes at San Mames as part of Matchday 27 of La Liga.

The lineups are already out, and Barça head coach Hansi Flick has made several rotations to the starting XI, given the efforts made by his players against Atletico Madrid earlier this week, while keeping an eye on the Newcastle United game coming up ahead.

Flick explains the changes

Speaking to the broadcaster before kick-off, Flick explained the changes introduced in the starting XI for the match at San Mames, where players such as Pedri, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski did not start, have been left on the bench.

The manager made it clear that it was a decision shaped both by fitness concerns and by the demanding schedule that the Barça squad faces in the coming days.

“You have to manage minutes and look at the past, but also the future. You have to give everyone opportunities,” he said.

Casado and Bernal start in midfield with Pedri being rested. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

With Pedri missing out in midfield, Marc Casado gets the nod as Marc Bernal’s partner, and Flick opened up on what they bring to the table.

“Marc Bernal is coming back from a long injury. Casado is very positive, a very intelligent player, and it’s great to have him,” he noted.

Flick also addressed the defensive adjustments he had to make following the recent injuries to Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde, both of whom were injured during the previous cup match.

“We’ll see Eric at right-back and Cancelo on the left,” he commented. 

The German coach also made it clear that the immediate objective remains securing a victory to restore the four-point lead over Real Madrid.

“We want to win and maintain the level the team showed the other day,” he explained.

Source: Mundo Deportivo