Barcelona vs Real Valladolid Squad: Flick's Adjustments
FC Barcelona Shuffles Lineup for Key La Liga Fixture Against Real Valladolid
Hansi Flick, coach of FC Barcelona, is set to roll out a revamped squad for the upcoming La Liga battle against Real Valladolid on Saturday night. The Catalans, currently in the driver's seat with a four-point cushion over Real Madrid, are nursing weary limbs after a grueling 3-2 extra-time win against Los Blancos in the Copa del Rey final and a nail-biting Champions League semifinal match against Inter Milan.
Despite a shaky start against Inter, Lamine Yamal's mastery and Ferran Torres' equalizer ensured the match ended level at 3-3, setting up an exhilarating second leg at the San Siro. With the UEFA Champions League final within reach for the first time in a decade, Flick needs his stars to be fresh and firing on all cylinders.
FC Barcelona - A Fresh Look
One of the most intriguing alterations is Wojciech Szczesny being benched in favor of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, making his first start since his season-ending injury at Villarreal in September. Youngster Alejandro Balde's anticipated return paves the way for Gerard Martin to hold his spot at left back.
Central defenders Pau Cubarsi and Iñigo Martínez find themselves on the bench, as Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo step in, while Eric Garcia stands in for the injured Jules Kounde at right-back. Eric Garcia could potentially earn the right-back nod for the Champions League final second leg.
In midfield, Pedri takes a well-deserved rest, allowing Gavi to team up with the usual partner of Frenkie de Jong. Dani Olmo, who didn't impress in his last two outings, makes way for Fermin Lopez, who slots into the CAM role, flanked by Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres. Olmo won't be completely discarded, as he retains his spot as a false number 9, seeking to impress the coach one more time.
Flick Speaks Out
"Our focus is to return to La Liga in top form, as this title is the most genuine. To secure it, we need to maintain our performance throughout the season. Valladolid may finish lower next season, but they are in the First Division now," Flick emphasized. "We've suffered losses in matches against Las Palmas, Leganes... and the team is well aware of that."
Projected FC Barcelona Lineup vs. Real Valladolid:Szczesny; Martin, Christensen, Araujo, Eric; Gavi, De Jong; Ansu, Lopez, Ferran; Olmo
- FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has made several rotations for the La Liga clash against Real Valladolid, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen replacing Wojciech Szczesny in goal, and Gerard Martin retaining his spot at left back following Alejandro Balde's return.
- Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo form the central defense, with Eric Garcia standing in for the injured Jules Kounde at right-back. Eric Garcia is also being considered for the Champions League final second leg.
- In midfield, Pedri is given a break, allowing Gavi to partner with Frenkie de Jong, while Dani Olmo makes way for Fermin Lopez in the CAM role. Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres flank Lopez, with Olmo taking up the false number 9 position.
- Flick has warned his squad about the importance of staying focused in La Liga, reminding them of previous losses to Las Palmas and Leganes, stating that even lower-ranked teams can pose a threat.
