Andreas Christensen, Barcelona player
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Barcelona’s defensive picture under Hansi Flick is currently anything but stable, and yet, one leading question refuses to disappear – why is Andreas Christensen still not a regular starter despite being fully available?
A recent report from ARA provides important insight into a situation that goes far beyond tactics or fitness.
At present, Flick’s back line is being held together under complicated circumstances.
Inigo Martinez has already moved on, Ronald Araujo has stepped away indefinitely, Eric García is being used higher up the pitch, and Gerard Martin has been forced into action as an emergency solution.
Amid all this instability, Pau Cubarsi stands as the only consistent centre-back option. In theory, this should have opened the door for Christensen, but in reality, it has not.
Within the club, there is a strong belief that the Danish defender possesses all the tools required to be Barcelona’s most complete centre-back. Yet match after match, Christensen has found himself watching from the bench.
While injuries have played a role at different points, the explanation goes deeper. Those close to the club indicate that the key obstacle is psychological rather than physical.
Andreas Christensen, Barcelona player
Andreas Christensen played the second half against Real Betis. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Christensen struggles with pressure management and confidence, particularly in high-stakes environments.
Unlike his teammates, particularly Araujo, Christensen is reserved and introverted, but both share a fear of costly mistakes that weighs heavily on their performances.
The contrast between club and international football is telling. With Denmark, Christensen plays with freedom and assurance.
At Barcelona, the expectations and demands he places on himself create tension that sometimes affects both his decision-making and physical sharpness on the pitch.
From a purely footballing perspective, staff members continue to rate him highly. However, hesitation has crept into his game.
The fear of errors limits his willingness to step forward, break lines or take risks in possession, qualities Flick demands from his defenders.
Looking ahead, Christensen’s future remains open. His contract expires at the end of the season, and renewal talks have yet to begin. Despite the uncertainty, the defender wants to stay.