Flick explains why Olmo played as a false nine against Galatasaray

“That’s the objective,” Hansi Flick said as he explained his decision to use Dani Olmo as a false nine against Galatasaray. The Barcelona coach made the choice for Tuesday evening’s second matchday of the league phase, with Raphinha missing through injury.

Flick opted against starting Brazilian Gabriel Jesus as the centre-forward replacement. Instead, he gave the role to Olmo, whose ability to retain the ball suited the approach he wanted. “That’s why I decided to play Olmo today. He can keep the ball and control it, and that’s the objective,” Flick explained.

The decision also reflected a broader consideration of squad management. Flick said the team had to account for players’ minutes and physical workload, with the next match scheduled for Saturday or Sunday. Asked about potentially resting Lamine Yamal, he said world-class players are not usually easy to leave out, while adding that the coaching staff understood the demands of the situation and the need to manage their involvement.

Before the game, Flick anticipated a difficult contest and intense pressure from the home team. He said Barcelona trusted its ability to cope. “It will be a difficult match. From all the games we have analysed before, we know they will press us, but we have confidence in ourselves; pressure and the ability to handle it are one of our weapons,” he said.

Flick also underlined the importance of the Champions League to him and his players. He said Barcelona’s strong start in the competition, which he described as its best in 19 years, gave the team confidence. For this season, he said the club’s priority was not to set historic records but to win titles. Barcelona also hopes to build on its positive European start through the possession-based approach and pressing associated with Flick, in a fixture expected to test the team physically and tactically.