Barcelona‘s pre-season is just underway and a few players will not be able to travel to the United States. The Catalan giants have appointed former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick as their new head coach.
As more and more players make themselves available before the start of the La Liga opener against Valencia, Flick will make his final decision on which players he wants in his first-team squad. Let’s take a look at how Hansi Flick will line up Barcelona in the 2024/25 season.
Formation
Hansi Flick has always preferred to use the 4-2-3-1 setup during his time at Bayern Munich and the German national football team with a double pivot in the middle of the park. The German coach will aim to replicate the same formula at Camp Nou this season.
But he could also continue with Barcelona’s traditional 4-3-3 formation, but would need to sign an elite defensive midfielder this summer. Joshua Kimmich would be a perfect addition to the squad who already has worked under Flick’s tutelage.
Defence
Marc-Andre ter Stegen will keep his spot in between the sticks for the upcoming season with Inaki Pena sitting in a reserved role.
Barcelona’s best defender Ronald Arujo picked up a muscle injury while playing for Uruguay in the Copa America and will remain sidelined for the next four months.
Jules Kounde is an automatic starter, with Andreas Christensen and Inigo Martinez all vying for the central defensive positions. Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia are two other options for the German tactician.
Alejandro Balde and Hector Fort will deputise in their natural full-back positions.
Midfield
Without any doubt, Frenkie de Jong and Ilkay Gundogan will be the first two names in the middle of the park.
But, Barcelona needs to sign a top-level midfielder if they want to succeed with their traditional 4-3-3 setup. Both Gavi and Pedri are two other starters who are yet to return from their respective injuries.
Attack
Lamine Yamal will be the undisputed player on the right wing after his impressive campaign in the European Championships this summer. Despite a disappointing spell last season, Lewandowski will lead the line from the middle.
Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona and the youngster could be stationed on the left side of the attack. Other attacking players like Raphinha and Vitor Roque will likely be offloaded in the summer.
Predicted Starting XI: Marc-Andre ter Stegen: Hector Fort – Jules Kounde – Pau Cubarsi – Alejandro Balde: De Jong – Gundogan; Lamine Yamal – Gavi/Pedri – Nico Williams; Robert Lewandowski
Also Read: FC Barcelona agrees personal terms with Athletic Bilbao’s Spain International star: Report