Hansi Flick settles on Barcelona’s starting XI for the new season with radical changes in two positions

If Barcelona’s opening pre-season matches are anything to go by, the squad boasts plenty of depth across the pitch ahead of the new season.

In both matches, the substitute line-up that came on after the break performed superiorly, perhaps because they had a lot to prove, and the coach can only look at the situation as a positive.

However, the Spanish newspaper “Mundo Deportivo” published a report stating that Hansi Flick had identified the ideal lineup for the new season.

Given that Barcelona won the domestic treble last season, it’s no surprise that the coach’s preferred formation remains largely unchanged. However, there are some notable changes.

Juan Garcia starts in goal, taking over as Flick’s preferred goalkeeper, especially with Marc-André ter Stegen in a difficult position and Wojciech Szczesny better placed as a backup.

The defensive line remains exactly as it was last season. Alejandro Balde will be Flick’s first choice at left-back, and Jules Kounde at right-back.

Despite the defensive weakness in recent matches, all indications point to Pau Coparsi and Iñigo Martinez remaining in the starting lineup.

In midfield, the German coach sees Pedri and Frenkie de Jong as the ideal starting duo, as was evident when they started together last season. Meanwhile, Dani Olmo is the preferred attacking midfielder.

In attack, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will naturally retain their places on the wings, but there is a major change in the striker position, with Ferran Torres expected to replace Robert Lewandowski.

While the Polish striker has proven that age is just a number, Torres has earned Flick’s trust for the new season due to his ability to press aggressively when off the ball – a key component of the German coach’s plans.