Flick backs collective shape to contain Mbappé

Flick has outlined how he wants his side to contain Mbappé: rather than build a plan around one opponent, he wants the team to rely on its collective organisation. On the eve of the Clásico, Barcelona’s coach said positioning and the distances between players would be central to the defensive response.

Barcelona go into the meeting at Spotify Camp Nou after suffering their first defeat of the season at the Parc des Princes. Hansi Flick believes the team learned from that European match, but is not planning major changes for the following day’s game. Asked whether he had a specific plan to defend against Kylian Mbappé, he pointed to the responsibility of the team as a whole.

“Our positioning, with and without the ball, is important,” Flick said. He explained what he expects when his team is defending: “We have to keep the right distance between players, stay compact and put pressure on the player with the ball. That is very important when you play with a high line, because it makes the defenders’ job easier. That is what we have to do.” His emphasis, then, is on maintaining the unit’s cohesion rather than leaving the response to Mbappé to one player.

That confidence also rests on the understanding between Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín. Flick praised their start to the season and their partnership: “‘Cuba’ and Gerard are having a great season. What they are doing is incredible. They work together, they talk… You can see they have grown together, and I’m very happy about it.” Flick has paired them in six of the twelve matches played so far. Martín rested for two games, while Cubarsí did not play in three. Christensen initially featured in the rotation, but his injury left Flick with fewer options.

The coach also said his players had recovered and were ready: “I have a good feeling; the players have recovered. They are ready for the match.” He described the Clásico as “the best match this sport has to offer”, adding that his team knew how to play it and that he had confidence in them.

Flick acknowledged that Barcelona needed to improve defensively after the trip to Paris, while also saying the team had done “things well” there. He said the group had reviewed the match and identified areas to improve. Against Real Madrid, he highlighted the opponent’s strength at set pieces and physical power: “We have to defend better than we did in Paris.” For Flick, the Clásico is also an opportunity for the team to grow together.