Full Barcelona roster presents new challenges for Hansi Flick

Winning is hard, no matter how talented your team is.

That’s why there was so much skepticism around Barcelona when Hansi Flick was announced as their new manager and the club spent the summer quietly navigating the transfer market.

The loss of Ilkay Gündoğan was the biggest shock of all. Why would Flick sanction the departure of his best midfielder without a replacement?

There were so many questions surrounding Barcelona’s roster.

The best player of the pre-season, Pau Víctor, barely played. Flick also allowed Álex Valle to leave for Celtic, despite very promising performances.

It was as if to say that it’s not about one player. The challenge is to understand the footballing values ​​that he sought to instill and to manifest them collectively on the pitch.

Barcelona have been a goal-scoring machine, and most of the credit must go to Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. In the future, this trident is chosen if it stays in shape. But remember that the more successful this team becomes, the more matches it will have to play and backup options will be needed to alternate from time to time.

Going forward, the biggest challenge for Flick will be managing the midfielders’ patience and expectations, as almost all of them are now back from injury. We’ll see you next year Marc Bernal.

The good news is that Flick has had success with every midfielder he has used in his 4-2-3-1 formation. The profiles are different, but the tactics are well understood by everyone.

But footballers want to play. And there are only three places available.

One thing that seems non-negotiable in the system is the double pivot. Of all the options, Marc Casado is the newest Blaugrana player, and therefore seemingly at the bottom of the depth chart.

I think most of us would agree though that Casado is a true star and a player not only for now, but for years to come. He has been the unsung engine of the team in recent weeks, doing the dirty work defensively and pushing the attack when the ball comes back with tempo and directness.

The other player who cannot be eliminated is Pedri. What surprised me was how important a role he played alongside Casado. It’s true that Barcelona finally unlocked Real Madrid when they moved to the ten, but don’t be surprised if you see him more often in the double pivot.

But it will depend on what Frenkie de Jong, Gavi and Fermín López can do with the minutes they are given.

You can imagine Flick will see Frenkie as his next man, with Pedri playing up front. But Frenkie will have to regain his place with constant energy and fighting spirit. His talent will never be questioned. During the Clasico, that’s exactly what he did to revive his team in the second half.

But no one should feel safe. Because Gavi can’t wait to be thrown back into battle. This is the player that intrigues me the most. He will have a lot to prove, whether he plays in defensive midfield, most likely I think, or at a higher level. Under Flick, he will have to push himself to truly adapt to the system. There is no doubt that he will have his chances, but he will have to be patient in the coming weeks.

With so many midfielders returning from injury and a player like Pedri with a history of knocks and serious setbacks, it’s good that Flick has options. Rotation at this position will be essential for Barcelona to go the distance.

We have not yet mentioned Eric Garcia or Andreas Christensen, the first contenders for succession in the double pivot. I would expect Christensen to return on defense, which is a good thing. Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez cannot continue playing 90 minutes without a break. And as Ronald Araujo returns, it will also be good not to push him too much, and instead give him time to recover well, and manage his minutes upon return.

The one who worries me is Fermín López. Although he has gotten the last two starts, he could be destined for a super backup role. But you don’t want to see his talents wasted on the bench with his confidence sky-high after a sensational summer that led Spain to Olympic gold.

Pablo Torre is another who has done so well in the few minutes given, but will struggle to see minutes moving forward. Maybe in the Copa del Rey?

These are good problems for Hansi Flick.

But he manages a group of elite players, all of whom have egos and something to prove.

For the moment, it is the culture of “all for one and one for all” which prevails.

For this to continue, the team must also continue to win.

For fun, this is my team when everyone is healthy? What is yours?

Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Alexander Balde, Marc Casado, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal. Be careful, at some point I think Flick will turn to Wojciech Szczęsny.