FC Barcelona Versus Real Valladolid Line Up: Flick Makes Big Personnel And Tactical Changes

FC Barcelona is set to face off against Real Valladolid at Montjuic Stadium this Saturday.

FC Barcelona's manager, Hansi Flick, is planning to switch up his starting line up and tactics for their upcoming match against Real Valladolid at the Montjuic Stadium in La Liga this Saturday.

Flick is devastated by the absence of teenage defensive midfielder Marc Bernal, who was injured during the Blaugrana's recent match against Rayo Vallecano. Bernal suffered an ACL tear in stoppage time of the 2-1 victory.

He will likely not play for the rest of the season, even though he played in all three victories for his favorite team in 2024/2025.

"At the Rayo match, Bernal performed exceptionally well, and we are really going to feel his absence," expressed Flick during a press conference before the game on Friday.

"It's amazing to see the level of talent he displays at just 17 years old. I was thoroughly impressed when I analyzed the last three games and observed Marc's impressive performance. It will be interesting to see how we fill his position, but I am content with our current options."

Being the first Barca coach to win the first three games of a season since Ernesto Valverde did it in the championship-winning season of 2018/2019, Flick minimized the chatter that he is currently the standout figure.

"It isn't my responsibility to focus on myself, that's not the point. What I can share about myself and observe with my team is that we have a unique atmosphere and a positive mindset," he described.

I have a strong admiration for the Spanish players I have collaborated with, both in Munich and here. They possess a positive mindset that I truly appreciate. The unity and support shown by the team after the victory over Rayo and Marc's injury was truly heartwarming to witness.

Flick expressed his happiness and pride at the team's performance. He emphasized the importance of attitude and teamwork in their success, stating that they can only win by working together both offensively and defensively. He also mentioned that there are more exciting things to come throughout the season.

In the press conference, Flick talked about Marc Casado as a possible substitute for Bernal. He stated that Casado would be added to the team right away and the formation would be changed to a 4-1-2-3.

Casado is positioned in front of a defensive line consisting of Alejandro Balde, Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, and Jules Kounde. In front of him is a strong midfield duo of Pedri and Dani Olmo, who showed great performances in the second half against Rayo.

Ferran Torres is on the bench so that Olmo can play instead. In the attacking positions, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal are on the wings with Robert Lewandowski as the striker. Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is leading the team as the goalkeeper.

Barcelona's starting lineup against Real Valladolid: Ter Stegen in goal, Balde, Inigo, Cubarsi, and Kounde in defense; Casado in midfield; Olmo and Pedri in the middle; Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Lamine up front.