Flick explains the changes to Barcelona XI vs Athletic Club - 'Have to look at the past, but also the future' | Barca Universal

"You have to manage minutes and look at the past, but also the future. You have to give everyone opportunities. Marc Bernal is coming back from a long injury. Casado is very positive, a very intelligent player, and it's great to have him."

"We'll see Eric at right-back and Cancelo on the left. We want to win and maintain the level the team showed the other day. The immediate objective remains securing a victory to restore the four-point lead over Real Madrid."

Barcelona faces Athletic Club at San Mames in La Liga Matchday 27 with significant lineup changes made by manager Hansi Flick. Key players including Pedri, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski are benched to manage workload following the Atletico Madrid match and with Newcastle upcoming. Marc Casado partners Marc Bernal in midfield, while Eric Garcia and Cancelo handle defensive duties due to injuries to Kounde and Balde. Flick emphasizes balancing immediate performance with squad rotation, stating the team must win to maintain their four-point lead over Real Madrid while providing opportunities to all players.

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