FC Barcelona players
Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick appears to have balanced the demands of the Champions League with preparations for Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid, carefully managing several key players during the 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
With only four days between the European setback and the trip to face their biggest rivals, Flick’s team selection and substitutions suggested that keeping important players available for El Clasico was a major consideration.
As a result, Barcelona will have to recover quickly while dealing with a growing list of injury concerns.
Flick protects Barcelona’s midfield options vs PSG
One of the clearest indications came before kick-off, when Marc Bernal was selected ahead of Rodri in midfield.
As reported before, Rodri was not feeling capable of sustaining full intensity for the entire match, prompting Flick to avoid taking unnecessary risks with his fitness.
The midfielder entered the contest in the 59th minute, although he still did not appear entirely comfortable.
Pedri, Barcelona player
Pedri was taken off by Hansi Flick in the second half. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
His condition will be particularly important heading into El Clasico, where Barcelona will need control and composure against Real Madrid’s midfield.
Furthermore, Flick also withdrew Pedri around the hour mark.
Despite the midfielder’s importance and his regular presence in the starting line-up this season, the Barcelona coach had little incentive to expose him to unnecessary physical demands ahead of such a significant domestic fixture.
Raphinha and Xavi Espart also withdrawn early
Raphinha was another player whose minutes were managed against PSG.
The Brazilian had only featured for a few minutes in Barcelona’s match against Real Betis, making it important for Flick to assess his condition rather than risk aggravating any fitness concerns before El Clasico.
Adding to it, Xavi Espart’s substitution in the 74th minute carried additional significance because of Barcelona’s defensive situation.
Xavi Espart could feature at the right-back vs Real Madrid. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste for Qatar Airways/Getty Images)
Notably, Eric Garcia is ruled out, while Jules Kounde remains a major doubt after suffering an ankle sprain.
With defensive options already limited, Flick just cannot afford another setback involving a player who might be needed against Real Madrid.
Barcelona face El Clasico with several concerns
As such, Flick has four days to prepare his squad for Real Madrid, with Barcelona entering the fixture after suffering their first defeat of the season.
For now, Christensen and Eric Garcia are unavailable, Kounde’s participation remains uncertain, and Dani Olmo could also miss out after a suspected adductor injury in his right leg.
Barcelona’s challenge is to recover from the PSG defeat and assemble a competitive team for El Clasico without worsening their injury situation.
Flick’s decisions in Paris suggest that preserving key players was part of that calculation, and whether those precautions pay off will be known when Barcelona face Real Madrid.
Hamza Abdelkarim of FC Barcelona
Hamza Abdelkarim of FC Barcelona