Barça's Tactical Dilemma: Flick's Midfield Masterclass Against Copenhagen

Barça's tactical puzzle against Copenhagen

During yesterday's training, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick tried not to reveal too much about the lineup he will deploy against Copenhagen tonight in the Champions League group-stage finale.

The Catalan side must win, ideally by a wide margin, but the German coach is expected not to be able to rely on Frenkie de Jong who is suspended, nor on the injured Pedri, Gavi, and Christensen.

Also note that João Cancelo will not be eligible to play in Europe until the next stage.

The good news for Flick is Ferran Torres’s return after the muscular injury he suffered in Prague against Slavia.

Nevertheless, the 'Shark' is not ready to start, and Lewandowski will continue to spearhead the attack from the central striker position.

Torres will come off the bench to be one of Flick’s 'substitutes' in the match, after Flick borrowed Arteta’s theory of starters and finishers.

Key lineup decisions and potential pivots

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Dani Olmo and Fermín López are set to start, with Olmo deep to shield Pedri while López pushes higher as an attacking midfielder.

The biggest puzzle is the identity of the player who will accompany them in the pivot (the number 6).

The options are Eric García, Casado, or Bernal.

Bernal is a realistic option given the opponent's tall players, which gives the youngster the chance to match that physical side.

Casado has featured against Oviedo, and perhaps that was a prelude to his European return after a long absence.

Eric García’s case is more complex, as he performs well in defensive midfield, but he is also one of the team's best center-backs.

Starting him in midfield alongside Olmo and López would give the team extra solidity, but would leave a hole in defense.

If Flick moves García into midfield to partner Olmo and López, there would still be a vacancy at center-back beside Kouparsi.

Gerrard Martín, who played in Prague as a central defender, is an option, but Flick also does not rule out starting Araújo for the first time since November 25 against Chelsea. Sniper joke: Barca's plan is so tight, even the goalkeeper needs a permit.