A fascinating fact regarding Hansi Flick’s tactics has been his massive reliance on his fullbacks. As modern fullbacks become increasingly offensive, Flick is a manager who has played a crucial role in this fullback attack transition. It’s a tactic that has also given results for both Bayern and now Barca.
Full Backs Have Been the Engine of Flick’s Tactical Setups
Hansi Flick has been a big fan of deploying fullbacks as cheat codes. At Bayern, he made Alphonso one of the best players in the world, not just the best full-back. His blistering runs were used to disrupt formations and create chaos. Remember his assist to Kimmich against Barca in Bayern’s 8-2 thrashing?
The Canadian used to attract players like this and made opponents leave positions completely.
Flick has been recreating this relentless approach at Barca through Kounde, and especially Balde. Alex Balde fits Alphonso’s profile and has been in scintillating form this season. Flick has used both full-backs according to their strengths. Balde has operated almost as a winger at left wing, and Kounde has been a pivotal right back through his link-up play with Yamal and amazing recoveries.
Bayern Vs Barca: Flick’s Full back Tactics
Flick’s Bayern fullbacks were elite. They were extremely wide and created lots of spaces for forwards. Kimmich’s pinpoint crosses and ball carrying were extraordinary, and Davies’ explosive pace and dribbling used to dazzle defenders. Both different profiles were effectively utilized by Flick, who loved to put his fullbacks forward.
At Barca, Flick does not have Kimmich’s IQ and Davies’ explosiveness. But the Catalan fullbacks are also very talented and in superb form. Flick has used Balde like he used Davies at Bayern, and the Spaniard has not disappointed. He is Barca’s sole one-on-one expert at the left flank as Raphinha mostly inverts inside. The right-back Kounde has been utilized for his stamina and work ethic. Flick assigns offensive duties to the Frenchmen and also uses him to stop threatening wingers on the right.
Are Flick’s Fullbacks Leaving Barca’s Defense Exposed?
Flick has given his full-backs a clean chit to be offensive. Balde is given the license to carry the ball, dribble past players, and even finish chances when offered. Kounde also makes in-behind runs at the right to give crosses in the box and link up with Yamal.
But let’s address the elephant in the room: this offensive obsession leaves Barca’s struggling defence even more vulnerable. At Bayern, Kimmich’s hybrid midfield role provided a safety net when Davies charged forward. But at Barca? Kounde, although he tracks back most of the time, struggles on breaks. Barca’s flanks have been a highway for counterattacks, and with the high line, it is a big gamble.