Having already gained one trophy this season, FC Barcelona are competing for 3 extra as they sit atop the La Liga desk whereas having made it to the UEFA Champions League Spherical of 16 and the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
The primary leg of the cup semi-final in opposition to Atletico Madrid final evening noticed the Catalans play out a extremely entertaining 4-4 draw at residence.
The defensive frailties that Atleti uncovered on the evening are a explanation for concern, however regardless of that, supervisor he has employed this season.
Mounted enjoying XI, only a few rotations
Moreover, reviews that with the season getting into its decisive section, Flick has already recognized his most well-liked beginning lineup, and from now till the top of the marketing campaign, there will probably be fewer squad rotations.
Some modifications will probably be obligatory because of fixture calls for, however with fewer matches remaining – yet one more Copa del Rey semi-final and a possible last, 13 La Liga matches, and as much as seven UCL fixtures in the event that they attain the ultimate – Flick intends to depend on his core gamers.
The German’s method is evident: this beginning eleven will compete for all three titles. Whereas squad gamers will nonetheless get minutes, there will probably be minimal modifications to the lineup until accidents, suspensions, or different circumstances dictate in any other case.
Araujo to battle for minutes?
The report additional provides that Flick stays dedicated to beginning Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez at centre-back till the top of the season.
For the Barcelona supervisor, Cubarsi and Martinez are the 2 centre-backs who greatest perceive and execute the tactical imaginative and prescient that comes together with his superior line of defense.
This was evident within the latest match, the place Eric Garcia was deployed in midfield and Ronald Araujo remained an unused substitute.
With Flick set to stay with Cubarsi and Martinez, Araujo’s minutes might take a serious hit. The Barça captain has performed simply 22 minutes throughout the final 5 video games and must accept a rotation position transferring ahead.
Whether or not that compels Araujo to rethink his future, having solely lately signed a brand new contract stays to be seen.