“We must change our way of thinking, because four of our defenders are unavailable due to injury, and we hope they will return soon,” Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said after a 6-1 victory against Alavés.
Barcelona navigated a severe defensive shortage on Saturday by deploying midfielder Frenkie de Jong at center back and youngster Brian Fariñas at right back, SO FOOT.com reported. Despite a depleted backline missing four regular defenders, the league leaders cruised to a 6-1 win at Estadi de Mendizorrotza to respond to Atlético Madrid’s earlier result.
Tactical Innovation and Emergency Solutions
With a defensive crisis forcing a reshuffle, Flick turned to his squad’s versatility to cover the absence of four frontline defenders. He asked de Jong if he could slot into central defense, and the Dutch midfielder agreed without hesitation. Fariñas also stepped into unfamiliar territory at right back, delivering an assured performance that earned praise from his manager.
“I asked Frenkie if he could play in central defense, and he answered yes, which I appreciate very much,” Flick explained. “Fariñas has also performed very well at right-back, and he deserved to play this match. He is a true professional.”
Upcoming UEFA Champions League Test Against Aston Villa
Barcelona faces a quick turnaround before returning to continental competition this Tuesday against Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League. Flick admitted uncertainty regarding whether his sidelined defenders will recover in time for the trip, emphasizing that the club will not rush anyone back from injury.
“We don’t know if they will be ready this week. Their recovery is going well, but they are not fully recovered yet. We have to hold on,” Flick said. “I think Andreas [Christensen] is close to joining the team, but we have to wait. We will not take any risks. After these two matches, there will be a rest period. We need it.”
Squad Management Ahead of the Midweek Fixture
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