Hansi Flick’s transition from Bayern to Barcelona showcased his adaptability to work with two teams with completely different philosophies and styles of play. While Hansi Flick’s core style is based on high-intensity pressing and quick transitions, he evolved possession-keeping Barcelona as well. Here are some Tactical Differences Between Flick’s Bayern and Barcelona Setups.
Formation and Organisation
📌Bayern Munich-Flick used the famous 4-2-3-1 formation with a double pivot at the centre in midfield to balance the defence and attack.
📌Barcelona-At Barcelona Flick transitions from a traditional 4-3-3 balanced to a 4-3-3 attack. This transition is an attacking advantage with 2 midfielders moving ahead and finding gaps in the box for cutbacks.
Pressing and Defensive Line
📌Bayern Munich-Flick implemented aggressive pressing with a high defensive line. This was aimed at regaining possession quickly with immediate pressure, being key for quick transitions.
📌Barcelona-Flick continues to utilise aggressive pressing with a high defensive line, with defenders like Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez. At Barcelona, Flick uses the high line for more offside traps.
Midfield Battles
📌Bayern Munich-Flick used the double pivot in midfield. This brought defensive solidity and allowed quick ball control, with midfielders being key defensively and in attack.
📌 Barcelona the single pivot system with either Frenkie or Casado provides control of the game. The midfielders play a key role in ball circulation and control the tempo. Dani Olmo and Pedri could go in front to facilitate the attack.
Quick Transition Play
📌Bayern Munich-Flick implemented rapid vertical transitions using pace from the width. This was key for counter-attack opportunities with the help of Gnabry and Coman.
📌Barcelona-Flick still maintains the quick transition at Barcelona, not common for the club that used tiki-taka. Flick uses this in a way the team maintains positional play, fluid movement, and attack in a structured manner.
Attacking Full-Backs
📌Bayern Munich-Davies and Pavard were key in attack, they made overlapping runs to provide width and delivered dangerous crosses in the box.
📌Barcelona-Full-backs like Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde are also instrumental in providing width with overlapping runs and support wingers with one-two passing.
Adaptation to Squad
📌Bayern Munich-Flick’s tactics were highly based on traditional German football. This was easier for a team like Bayern to adapt and master.
📌Barcelona-Barcelona used their traditional tiki-taka and possession plat for years. Flick was quick to notice that this style isn’t the best for modern football and successfully evolved Barcelona’s style.