Penetrating inside the box against teams who sit back against Barca has been a major test for Hansi Flick this season. The inability to kill games off and score against these teams has been frustrating for Barca’s manager. However, a few tactical improvements can turn things around for La Blaugrana in the second half of the season.
Lamine Yamal sacrificing width
Lamine Yamal is an unbelievably good player for his age and through his creative flare and unpredictably often saves Barca by creating something from nothing. However, against teams that prefer to keep more defenders, it is difficult for him to influence the game. The starboy often attempts to drift inside and receive a pass to create for his attack. This causes a lack of width for Hansi Flick’s side and the opposition doesn’t have to spread and leave spaces for Barca’s midfield to exploit.
Lack of long ball for runners
Hansi Flick wants to be in control of every game his side plays and this might be the reason why he chooses to tell his centre-backs not to attempt any passes to the players running in behind. However, I believe when you’re playing against teams who don’t give you much space you have to take risks like these. Raphinha is often seen making an in-behind run when the ball is at the feet of centre-backs like Cubarsi but he is mostly not passed to which frustrates the Brazillian. Flick should utilize Cubarsi’s excellent ball-playing ability and instruct him to be brave and take risks.
Taking risks in the final third
Teams like Getafe hardly have any space between their defensive lines for midfielders to make through passes. This strategy of trying to pass the ball around waiting for an opening has cost Barca points this season. Flick should instruct his midfielders to make progressive carries into the box instead and create a chance for themselves or their teammates because this makes the game more unpredictable and hard to defend. Players like Pedri, Olmo, and Frenkie have excellent dribbling and ball-carrying qualities that can confuse defenders. They should also take more shots from outside the box as you have to take every chance no matter how small against teams with tight defenses.
Hansi Flick will have to bring innovation to his team if he wants to get his side back in the title race. It will be a major test in his first term as a Barcelona manager as fans have high hopes for him.