Barcelona Face Tall Task Against Real Sociedad as Flick Makes Key Changes
FC Barcelona will face a formidable test against Real Sociedad at Anoeta Stadium on Sunday night, with Hansi Flick making significant adjustments to his midfield and attack. The reigning champions have been on an impressive run since 2015, but they now find themselves four points clear of their arch-rivals Real Madrid after Saturday's defeat to Levante.
Flick has no choice but to make changes due to unforeseen circumstances, but he can draw solace from the fact that his starting defense will remain intact. Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, and Jules Kounde will marshal out the back, protecting Joan Garcia's goal.
However, in midfield, Flick has made some key changes. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are set to form a double pivot, replacing the duo of Marc Bernal and Casado. Meanwhile, Dani Olmo is expected to operate as a CAM, a nod to his impressive performances in recent games. This decision means Fermin Lopez will not be left on the bench for once.
Raphinha's fitness concerns have forced Flick to opt for Marcus Rashford instead of the Brazilian winger, but even this change has been tweaked. Rashford is unlikely to start, with Fermin taking up the left-wing spot instead.
Lamine Yamal remains a regular starter on the right flank, while Robert Lewandowski will partner Dani Olmo up front as the central striking duo. The Polish striker's inclusion could be a key factor in Barcelona's success, given his clinical finishing record.
Flick acknowledges that Real Sociedad pose a significant threat, particularly since Pellegrino Matarazzo took charge of the team last month. "We don't win matches because of names, but because of attitude and mentality," Flick said in the pre-match press conference. "That's what I want to see in every game."
Barcelona will be looking to maintain their 11-game winning streak against La Liga opponents when they face Real Sociedad on Sunday night. The task won't be easy, however, as Anoeta Stadium has been a fortress for Los Blancos in recent seasons.
FC Barcelona will face a formidable test against Real Sociedad at Anoeta Stadium on Sunday night, with Hansi Flick making significant adjustments to his midfield and attack. The reigning champions have been on an impressive run since 2015, but they now find themselves four points clear of their arch-rivals Real Madrid after Saturday's defeat to Levante.
Flick has no choice but to make changes due to unforeseen circumstances, but he can draw solace from the fact that his starting defense will remain intact. Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, and Jules Kounde will marshal out the back, protecting Joan Garcia's goal.
However, in midfield, Flick has made some key changes. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are set to form a double pivot, replacing the duo of Marc Bernal and Casado. Meanwhile, Dani Olmo is expected to operate as a CAM, a nod to his impressive performances in recent games. This decision means Fermin Lopez will not be left on the bench for once.
Raphinha's fitness concerns have forced Flick to opt for Marcus Rashford instead of the Brazilian winger, but even this change has been tweaked. Rashford is unlikely to start, with Fermin taking up the left-wing spot instead.
Lamine Yamal remains a regular starter on the right flank, while Robert Lewandowski will partner Dani Olmo up front as the central striking duo. The Polish striker's inclusion could be a key factor in Barcelona's success, given his clinical finishing record.
Flick acknowledges that Real Sociedad pose a significant threat, particularly since Pellegrino Matarazzo took charge of the team last month. "We don't win matches because of names, but because of attitude and mentality," Flick said in the pre-match press conference. "That's what I want to see in every game."
Barcelona will be looking to maintain their 11-game winning streak against La Liga opponents when they face Real Sociedad on Sunday night. The task won't be easy, however, as Anoeta Stadium has been a fortress for Los Blancos in recent seasons.
for Barcelona! They've got some big changes made by Flick, and I'm curious to see how it all plays out 
. That midfield pivot thingy with Pedri & De Jong could be a game-changer, but Real Sociedad's defense has been fire 
lately. And can they contain Pellegrino Matarazzo's team? 
The Polish striker Lewandowski better bring his A-game if Barcelona wanna win this one 
, Pedri & De Jong as midfield duo could be fire 
. But, let's be real, they're still gonna struggle against Real Sociedad 
... fingers crossed they can pull it off tho 
i dont think raphinha would've made that big of a difference anyway 
and have you seen robert lewandowski up front? man he's like a different player out there 
but have you ever thought about how fleeting greatness can be? one minute u r top dog, next minute ur struggling to get out of group stage 
does that sound like a recipe for disaster or is it an opportunity to retool and come back even stronger? 
️. But you know what? I still got faith in Barça... 
️. Still, Sociedad has been doing well under Matarazzo and Anoeta Stadium is like their home turf 
. It's gonna be a close one! 
danil can bring that spark they need to beat sociedad at anoeta. and roberto Lewandowski is gonna be a game changer for them - his goal-scoring record is insane 
. But you know what would be good for Barca? If Pedri and De Jong could just click together as a midfield duo consistently 
. And what's up with Rashford taking Fermin's spot on the left wing? Either way, I'm rooting for Barcelona to keep their winning streak alive 
. Flick making some major changes might just pay off, though! 
The midfield pivot thingy with Pedri and De Jong could be the key to unlocking Sociedad's defense 
. And Robert Lewandowski? 
... I'm predicting a close game, maybe even a 1-1 draw 
so the coach is making some changes before this big game and its kinda interesting how he's putting Marcus Rashford instead of Raphinha and Fermin Lopez will play on the left wing... 
fermin lopez might not be the most natural winger but he's got skills and can give sociedad a run for their money 
. Real Sociedad's been doing alright under Pellegrino Matarazzo, so this should be a good test for Barcelona 
I remember when Rivaldo used to have those kinds of issues, but never thought it'd happen to one of the star players now 
.
. And Dani Olmo as a CAM? Genius move 
, I mean, he's been on fire lately and adds this extra layer of creativity to their attack 
️. He's got 'em lookin' sharp and they're not gonna go down without a fight 
.
real sociedad is like, super strong atm and anoeta stadium is their home turf 
u think marcus rashford's gonna be able to step up for raphinha on the left wing? and dan olmo as cam is a clever move 
