The defensive system that Hansi Flick is implementing at Barça is giving a lot to talk about. A defensive line pushed forward to the center of the field is his bet to put a stop to the opponent by means of offsides. This system has worked well on many occasions, taking advantage of the fact that teams like Bayern Munich, with a not-so-fast Harry Kane, easily fall into the trap.
Flick's Challenge against Bayern
When Bayern Munich faces a brought-forward defense like Hansi Flick's, the chances of being caught offside increase significantly. Harry Kane, while unstoppable inside the box, is not quick enough to exploit the gaps behind the defense. This has led to Flick frequently using this system against teams that rely on more static forwards.
However, Hansi Flick is aware that not all teams are the same, and that fine-tuning his defensive system will be key in future games. The difference in player profiles can expose this invention, and even more so against teams with extremely fast forwards.
Real Madrid: a Different Rival
While Hansi Flick's system may work against Bayern, it's a very different story when it comes to Real Madrid. Players like Vinícius and Kylian Mbappé stand out for their explosive speed. Both attack with a speed that can do a lot of damage to a defense so far away from the goal.
Hansi Flick knows that if he continues to use this system against Real Madrid, his defensive line will be exposed. In elite soccer, small adjustments can make the difference between success and failure.
Against Real Madrid, Flick will have to take a more balanced approach, not leaving so much space behind him. Unlike Bayern, Madrid punishes such errors more harshly. Vinícius and Mbappé represent a constant threat, and any team that allows them to sprint towards the goal faces a serious risk.
Necessary Adjustments to Avoid Surprises
In La Liga, the high defensive line has allowed Flick to keep control of the ball and force mistakes from his opponents. But in Europe, where teams like Real Madrid have a squad full of runners, the approach may not be as effective. The key is to adjust according to the circumstances and the profiles of the players he faces.