Three ways Barcelona could lineup under Hansi Flick – analysis

FC Barcelona has less than a week left to end their season, after which Xavi Hernandez will be ousted from his position as first-team manager.

All signs lead to Hansi Flick, the former Bayern Munich and Germany national team manager, becoming the Catalan powerhouse’ new coach.

The 59-year-old has been out of work since being fired from his position in Germany, and he has been pleading with Barça to hire him ever since Xavi’s future became uncertain.

This week, authorities from Barcelona spoke with Flick and his agent, signaling that things may be moving forward for him. As a result, here are three possible lineups for Barcelona next season should Flick succeed Xavi as manager.

As a result, here are three possible lineups for Barcelona next season should Flick succeed Xavi as manager.

A typical 4-2-3-1.

Hansi Flick has always favored to play a 4-2-3-1 formation with a double pivot in the middle of the park, and he might bring that configuration to Barcelona as well.

Barça has traditionally used the 4-3-3 system, thus switching to this configuration would be something new for them.

Players like Frenkie de Jong (if he stays) could benefit from the tactical move, while others like Ilkay Gundogan and Robert Lewandowski are already experienced with such a system, having played under Flick with Germany and Bayern Munich, respectively.

Pedri and Fermin Lopez would be contenders for the No. 10 spot, while Pablo Torre, who is returning from loan, could also get a chance in the new system.

Carrying on the Barça manner with a 4-3-3

Hansi Flick, on the other hand, might stay true to Barcelona’s legacy and philosophy by sticking with the 4-3-3 configuration that the Catalans have utilized on a regular basis.

However, in order to thrive with that style, Barça will need to bring in a top-level defensive midfielder, which is their primary goal moving into the summer transfer window. Guido Rodriguez is expected to arrive, and Joshua Kimmich and Martin Zubimendi are also being targeted.

If either of the latter two arrived, they would immediately slot into the starting lineup, alongside Pedri and Gundogan in midfield.

A new 3-4-3.

Finally, given Barcelona’s depth at centre-back and the fact that they haven’t always been defensively resolute this season, Hansi Flick may contemplate taking a risk and playing a 3-4-3 formation.

In such a formation, the manager might choose to play Jules Kounde in his natural centre-back position alongside Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo (if he stays), or even Inigo Martinez to provide a left-footed player in the backline.

Placing Alejandro Balde as a wing-back on the left side would also be beneficial due to his attacking abilities and would bring a new dimension moving forward. It would, however, raise questions about how Flick would use the midfielders at his disposal, the composition of the offensive line, and how Lamine Yamal would fit into the system.

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