Flick anticipates a new role: Koundé in the middle

Flick nagbabadya ng bagong gampanin: Koundé sa gitnang

Ayon sa Mundodeportivo.

Konteksto

Si Jules Koundé, na dating naglaro para sa Sevilla, ay isa sa mga pangunahing manlalaro ng Barcelona sa La Liga. Ang kanyang pagbabalik sa sentral na depensa ay nagmumungkahi ng tiwala ng coaching staff sa kanyang kakayahan na pamunuan ang likuran ng koponan, lalo na sa mga kritikal na laban sa liga.

Why it matters

The return of Jules Koundé to central defense is an important step for Barcelona as they approach the start of La Liga. Under the leadership of Hansi Flick, his defensive ability will be key to building a solid foundation for the team. The formation changes reflect the new coach's efforts to strike the right balance between attack and defense.

Key Points

• Flick heralds a new role: Koundé in the middle.
• Flick deja entrever nuevos roles: Koundé plays central and Eric, lateral.

Hansi Flick gave clear direction in Barcelona's final training session ahead of Sunday's LaLiga opener at Elche (9pm). With a starting eleven almost full of expected starters, only three were changed from the team that faced Basel last Sunday—and here the new coach was able to preview possible new roles for some of his players. Biggest point: Jules Koundé is returned to his natural spot in central defence. He partners Gerard Martín at center back while resting Andreas Christensen, who has accumulated heavy minutes this pre-season. Pau Cubarsí, on the other hand, continues to tune in to the condition after arriving late due to their World Championship, so his minutes are being carefully managed as the official start of the league approaches. Another notable experiment by Flick was putting Eric García in a lateral role. In a system with a high emphasis on aggressive pressing and quick transitions, a full-back capable of defending wide spaces and helping in the build-up is essential. Testing Eric on the sideline is an indication that Flick is finding the right balance between progressive release of the ball and solid turnover defense.

According to reports, Barcelona's internal plans have long included the possibility of returning Koundé to center back if necessary—especially if another center back can't be added to the market. When he was signed from Sevilla in June 2022, Koundé was recognized as one of the best central defenders in LaLiga, so it would be logical for him to return to the heart of the back if that is where he can contribute more. The timing of these tests is important: pre-season, this practice is the closest to the real competition. In the opener at Elche, Barcelona needed a clear identity—from the defensive structure to the attacking formation. The Koundé–Gerard Martín tandem in the center provides a glimpse of the wall that Flick wants to build, while the positioning of Eric laterally can open an alternative route to lift the ball and squeeze the opponent on the flanks. All in all, Flick has shown that he is willing to adjust and mix a new formula based on the needs of the team and the condition of his players. It is not yet final, but the direction of Koundé in the middle and Eric in the lateral are two experiments that could possibly be the foundation of Barcelona entering the new LaLiga season.

What's next

Koundé is expected to be a big part of Barcelona's defense in their match against Elche. Flick's experimentation with Eric García as a lateral could provide more attacking and defensive options. As the team continues to adjust, their performance in the first game of La Liga will be crucial to their campaign throughout the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What changes did Hansi Flick make in Barcelona's final rehearsal?

Jules Koundé was returned to his natural position in central defense and Eric García was placed in a lateral role.

Who is with Jules Koundé in central defence?

Gerard Martín is Jules Koundé's partner in central defense.

Why was Eric García put in a lateral role?

Eric García was placed laterally to find the right balance between progressive release of the ball and solid defense against turnovers.

What is the reason for Koundé's return as central defense?

According to reports, this is part of Barcelona's internal plan if necessary, especially if another center back cannot be added to the market.

When is the official start of the league for Barcelona?

The official start of the league for Barcelona is on Sunday in Elche, at 9pm.

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