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 night time noticed the Catalans play out a extremely entertaining 4-4 draw at dwelling.
The defensive frailties that Atleti uncovered on the night time are a reason for concern, however regardless of that, supervisor he has employed this season.
Mounted taking part in XI, only a few rotations
Moreover, studies that with the season coming into its decisive part, Flick has already recognized his most popular beginning lineup, and from now till the tip of the marketing campaign, there will likely be fewer squad rotations.
Some adjustments will likely be obligatory resulting from fixture calls for, however with fewer matches remaining – another Copa del Rey semi-final and a possible ultimate, 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 likely be minimal adjustments to the lineup except accidents, suspensions, or different circumstances dictate in any other case.
Araujo to wrestle for minutes?
The report additional provides that Flick stays dedicated to beginning Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez at centre-back till the tip of the season.
For the Barcelona supervisor, Cubarsi and Martinez are the 2 centre-backs who finest perceive and execute the tactical imaginative and prescient that comes together with his superior defensive position.
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 function shifting ahead.
Whether or not that compels Araujo to rethink his future, having solely just lately signed a brand new contract stays to be seen.