"Say what you like about Hansi Flick, but the first-team head coach isn't for turning. Win, lose or draw, he clearly won't have his Barça side playing any other way than with the high-risk, high-reward high line. As we saw again at Celta, when it doesn't work and the Blaugranes are so easily exposed, it looks amateurish. However, in the second half, there was a clear indication of how well it can contain opposition teams when used correctly."
"What needs to be addressed is the lack of all four defensive players pushing forward at the same time. On Sunday night it was Alejandro Balde playing Celta's players onside; in other games, Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde have been at fault. And yet, Culers have grown so used to this way of working that to see Flick bend to the will of others just wouldn't do."
Hansi Flick maintains a committed high defensive line approach that prioritizes risk and entertainment. When the high line fails, the team becomes easily exposed and appears amateurish. The high line can be effective at containing opponents when executed correctly, as shown in the second half at Celta. Problems stem from individual defensive timing, with Alejandro Balde, Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde each culpable at times for playing opponents onside. Opponents now time runs to beat the offside trap, reducing its effectiveness compared with the smoother 2025/26 season. Tactical tweaks could restore midseason momentum given the squad's ability to play boldly.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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