Barcelona have welcomed again Alejandro Balde and Marc Casado from harm forward of El Clasico, however Hansi Flick all however confirmed that Gerard Martin can be persevering with at left-back. The latter suffered defensively in opposition to Inter within the Champions League, however carried out effectively going ahead, notching two assists.
Balde has been out for the final month with a hamstring harm, however after lacking the Copa del Rey ultimate and Champions League semi-final, will probably be again in motion in opposition to Actual Madrid. Flick confirmed that he would probably solely come off the bench although, as is the case for Robert Lewandowski.
“I don’t suppose I’ll play them at the beginning. I believe Gerard and the remainder of the gamers are doing very effectively, and after the harm, issues are just a little totally different. After this recreation, we have now three extra, so we have now to watch out. I believe Balde may have minutes within the second half, he’s prepared for that.”
Uncommon full-back pairing for Barcelona
The Blaugrana will even be with out Jules Kounde, which means Martin and Eric Garcia will probably be beginning. The latter has performed effectively on the precise in opposition to Inter, and appears probably to take action once more on Sunday.
“We will see that each gamers are very skilled and have improved so much for the reason that begin of the season. For me, it’s not a shock. While you see Gerard taking part in within the Champions League semi-finals, he had a implausible recreation, it’s superb to see him at this stage. We miss Balde on this scenario, as a result of he has additionally had a fantastic season.”
“And Eric, what can I say? I like his mentality and his angle; he’s a fantastic skilled. After I ask him, ‘If he needs to play as a centre-back, full-back, or quantity six?’ He has no drawback in any respect. He’s doing actually good with the ball, but in addition with out it. And he can even rating targets, as we’ve seen.”
Barcelona’s excessive line on the again
Barcvelona have stunned many this season with their aggressive excessive line on the again, one thing that Flick was criticised for at numerous factors within the season, and once more after conceding late to Inter.
“After we began, the philosophy was clear. At first, we had some doubts, in fact, however in the long run, it’s about the entire group, not simply the again line. It’s necessary for us at all times to have stress on the ball. You need to know who begins with this dynamic and who follows to be able to win the ball again.”
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“There have been video games, particularly firstly, the place we noticed doubts, however we modified it, and the group has tailored very effectively. They’ve additionally been bettering and are proud of the fashion and the way we need to play. While you see the standard of the gamers, you’re completely satisfied. While you’re a coach, and also you see the depth in coaching, you’re completely satisfied. They work very exhausting, and right this moment we see the outcomes.”
One of many leaders of that backline, arguably the one who has set the tone, has been Inigo Martinez.
“Inigo has a distinct fashion. He’s a participant who likes to play deeper, and he’s improved and tailored. It’s unbelievable to see how he’s tailored. He’s a frontrunner and at all times focuses on successful each recreation. How he focuses on each coaching session, if we do a recreation, he at all times wins it, and the way he at all times thinks positively and shares that together with his gamers. And he’s a fighter. I’m proud of him, and I can say that. It is perhaps one among his finest seasons, and it’s not straightforward. It’s not straightforward to make these adjustments at 32, 33 years previous.”
One other check for Barcelona’s full-backs
Whereas Martin is not going to must deal with Denzel Dumfries on the precise at Montjuic, Garcia will probably be up in opposition to Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior on the left, who will little doubt attempt to exploit his lack of tempo. Garcia spent a lot of the recreation in opposition to Inter going ahead, and with Lamine Yamal there, Federico Dimarco and Carlos Augusto have been largely occupied with {the teenager} in opposition to Inter.