Lineups and Build-Up
Hans Flick, Barcelona's head coach, announced the starting lineup on Saturday evening as they prepared to face Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou in the 13th round of La Liga. The reveal came amid broad fan anticipation, given a string of injuries and absences that have constrained the German coach's options.
The lineup featured the return of goalkeeper Juan Garcia to Barça's goal after a two-month layoff due to a muscle injury that had sidelined him since the start of the season. His comeback provided a significant morale boost, especially as the team seeks defensive stability before a run of crucial matches in the weeks ahead.
Despite Pedri's injury and Frenkie de Jong's suspension, Flick surprised observers by dropping Casado to the bench, a move that prompted questions given his involvement in previous games. Flick later explained that the readiness of several players and other tactical considerations drove the decision.
The Barcelona starting XI was announced as follows:
"Juan Garcia, Gerard Martin, Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarci, Alejandro Balde, Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo, Fermín López, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Robert Lewandowski."
Meanwhile, Ernesto Valverde, the Athletic Bilbao coach, named his side with Unai Simon in goal, Andoni Gorosabel, Vivian, Aymeric Laporte, Yuri Berchiche, and a host of others who completed the XI, aiming to challenge Barça across every line.
"Unai Simon, Andoni Gorosabel, Vivian, Aymeric Laporte, Yuri Berchiche, De Galarit a, Unai Gomez, Oier Sancet, Nico Williams, Oier Sanziet, Alex Berenguer" were listed as the Bilbao starters, according to the team sheet announced by Valverde.
Flick’s press conference offered a window into the strategy and future plans:
"Heaping praise on Messi and discussing the peak of the rivalry, Flick spoke at length about the road ahead and how the squad will navigate through a demanding period."
In the remarks reported from Friday’s press conference, Flick lauded the Argentine star Lionel Messi, stating, “Messi is the best footballer of the last decade, perhaps more. Watching him in the middle of the pitch is a privilege; what he has given to football is not easily repeated.”
Asked about a possible Messi return to Barcelona, Flick replied decisively, “Messi’s contract with his American club expires in 2028, while mine with Barça runs until 2027. That matter is not my current responsibility, so I’m not thinking about it.”
Return to Camp Nou and a stern test ahead
Flick voiced his excitement about returning to Camp Nou after a long spell at Montjuïc, emphasizing the enormous intangible value of playing in front of Barça’s home crowd. “We’re all happy to return to our true stadium. It’s a football temple—the atmosphere is indescribable. The supporters are very close to the pitch, giving the players a real lift.”
He also highlighted the strength of Bilbao, describing them as a formidable side that competes in the Champions League and features quality across the board. “It will be a tough test to gauge our real level at this moment.”
Top spot and a clear tactical vision
Asked whether a win would catapult Barça to the top of La Liga, Flick cautioned against getting carried away, saying, “We focus on each match, one by one. The season is long, and like last year, we must hold on to our ideas and not doubt our playing style.” He also stressed the competition this season, noting, “Real Madrid is a strong rival, but Villarreal and Atlético Madrid are also in the mix. We must concentrate on ourselves and deliver the best possible performance every game.”
Yamal’s case with the national team
Flick addressed the controversy surrounding Lamine Yamal’s omission from Spain’s training camp after Barça requested a quick treatment intervention for a groin/hip area issue. “Lamine is our player, and we take care of him in the best possible way. The national team also cares for its players, and I believe excluding him was the right decision. He’s worked hard in recent weeks and remains professional under all circumstances.”
He added, “There’s significant optimism about his condition, and he’s handling everything with commendable professionalism.”
Injury concerns, returns, and balance
Regarding De Jong’s absence, Flick explained that Barça trained in a way that would allow them to play tomorrow and that the coach knows how to compensate for his absence. He would not reveal details, promising that the information would come on the pitch. He also confirmed that Juan Garcia would return to goal, with Pedri returning progressively and the possibility of his involvement against Chelsea still undecided.
Flick closed by noting that Marcus Rashford had a fever and did not train in the last two days, with doubts about his readiness. On a brighter note, he highlighted the return of Rafinha, whose impact could be felt on the substitute bench.
— Sniper punchlines for a lighter finish:
1) If this lineup were a sniper shot, it would be a clean, center-mass hit—precise, composed, and with a flare of flair in the final third.
2) In football as in life, timing is everything; Flick’s moves are so precise that even a sniper would take notes and applaud from the stands.
