Barcelona stored up their distinctive begin to 2025 on Wednesday with a 5-1 demolition of Actual Betis, and so they did so with out Robert Lewandowski, who was rested for the match. As a substitute, Dani Olmo began as a false 9, and it was a place that he thrived in as he offered two assists on the evening.
Hansi Flick was very happy with the tactical change, as he advised the media post-match (through Sport).
“Dani is aware of methods to play completely as a ‘9’, as he has carried out within the Spanish nationwide staff. I’ve spoken to him. Lewandowski was not an possibility for right this moment. The plan has gone nicely. You could have additionally been capable of see that we have now been in management in midfield, it was very good to see.”
Yesterday’s experiment with Dani Olmo as a ‘false 9’ was to Hansi Flick’s liking. He had been planning on doing it for a while, and it could possibly be a approach to give Robert Lewandowski relaxation if wanted. @ffpolo, @javigasconMD
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) January 16, 2025
As per MD, it’s a plan that Flick intends to utilise going ahead when Lewandowski must be rested or is unavailable. Given its success in opposition to Betis, it’s clear that it may be relied upon for the rest of the season.
It’s clear that 36-year-old Lewandowski can’t be relied upon for each match in a season, so it is rather good for Barcelona to have a Plan B, and clearly, it’s one which has the potential to be very profitable.