The 3-3 Draw Between FC Barcelona and Inter Milan in the First Leg of the Champions League Semifinals Has Left Several Impressions in the blaugrana Environment. One of them, the most concerning for Hansi Flick, is the lack of a backup right-back in the squad. Jules Koundé's Injury Has Left the German Coach Without a Natural Replacement... and he has had to resort to emergency solutions like Eric García, who played out of position against the Italians.
Hansi Flick Asks Laporta After the Barça-Inter
According to Madrid-Barcelona, after the match in Montjuïc, Flick Had a Private Conversation with Joan Laporta... in which he directly requested the Signing of a Right-Back for the Next Season. The German considers it an absolute priority to reinforce that side, as he doesn't trust Héctor Fort, still with a reserve team contract, to be a reliable alternative at the European level. They will try to find a new team for the youth player through a loan.
In that regard, the Name That Convinces Hansi Flick the Most is Andrei Ratiu, Currently at Rayo Vallecano. The Romanian right-back has shown a great level in LaLiga and has the offensive profile that the blaugrana coach likes. The problem lies in his high price, as Rayo owns only 50% of his rights and is asking for his release clause, valued at 25 million euros.
Jules Koundé Needs a Reliable Backup
Jules Koundé Has Been an Undisputed Starter All Season at Right-Back, but His Physical Condition Is Concerning, and Such a Fragile Planning Cannot Be Allowed in Such an Important Position. Hansi Flick wants to build a competitive team to fight for all titles and is not willing to repeat mistakes. It is crucial that the Frenchman can have rest matches to avoid breaking down, as now, in a crucial phase of the campaign.
Laporta has taken note of the request, aware that providing the coach with a balanced squad is key to the project's success. The Signing of a Right Defender Would Leave Barcelona Covered in Defense and Would Even Allow Jules Koundé to Return to His Natural Position as a Center-Back in Certain Matches.