Flick Praises Barcelona Defense Reaching Unprecedented Level
Barcelona has bounced back impressively, winning three consecutive matches after a 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the Champions League in late November. This resurgence has positioned them favorably as they prepare to face Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday in Europe, aiming to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase.
Barcelona’s Recent Performance
Following several key player injuries, the Catalans secured victories against Atletico Madrid (3-1) and Real Betis (5-3) last week. Coach Hansi Flick acknowledged the team’s struggles over the past three months but praised their progress, particularly in defense.
Defensive Strategies Under Review
Despite conceding three goals against Real Betis, Flick noted that the high defensive line system was effective, especially given player fatigue in the closing stages of the match. “The last 10 minutes, they were exhausted,” he explained, drawing attention to the team’s overall improvement.
La Liga Dominance
The win over Real Betis allows Barcelona to stay four points clear at the top of La Liga. Their attention now shifts to the crucial clash against Frankfurt, especially as it marks a rematch following their disappointing elimination from the Europa League by the same team in 2022. This match also marks their first Champions League game at Camp Nou since October 2022, stoking anticipation.
Ensuring a Safe Environment
Due to the previous encounter, Barcelona has restricted ticket access this year to maintain security. Coach Flick emphasized the importance of the upcoming match, stating, “We have to win; we want to show our best level.”
Goalkeeping Update
There is potential for goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen to return from injury, though Flick confirmed that Joan Garcia remains the starting choice at present.
Frankfurt’s Current Standing
- Eintracht Frankfurt currently sits in seventh place in the Bundesliga.
- They suffered a heavy defeat, losing 6-0 to RB Leipzig last Saturday.
- Frankfurt is ranked 28th in the league phase table, ten spots below Barcelona.
Player Insights
Mario Gotze, a key playmaker for Frankfurt, expressed respect for Flick’s “very attacking brand” of soccer. He believes that the previous defeat in 2022 will not influence the upcoming match, stating, “Every match is new and starts from scratch.”
As Barcelona heads into this crucial fixture, the focus will be on elevating their game while aiming for another strong defensive performance that Flick believes has reached an unprecedented level.
