Hansi Flick’s Barcelona plays with a high defensive line that has completely revolutionized the way Barca attacks and defends. A tactic deemed too risky at the start of the season continues to give Hansi Flick success till now. But why does the German manager want his defenders so high up the pitch, and why does it work?
Numerical superiority in midfield
By pushing the defenders closer to the halfway line, they can act as midfielders. This usually happens with the two full-backs moving wide and ahead with the centre-backs ready to distribute the ball whenever required. They do all this while the play is in the opposition box, which gives them security to try risky passes without making an error.
Catching them offside
The veteran Inigo Martinez and the prodigy kid Lamine Yamal have mastered the art of offside. The centre-back pairing has continuously disappointed attackers who attempt to make runs past them. No club in the world has drawn more offsides than FC Barcelona.
Although fans, including me, were skeptical of this risky tactic’s consistency in the start of the season. Hansi Flick has turned doubters into admirers with his discipline and focus in executing his plans.