Flick has to drop Big Star

FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick will be tinkering with his attack and midfield when the Catalans travel to Anoeta for their La Liga game against Real Sociedad on Sunday, and he was also without a big star.

Flick and his men are currently six points clear at the top of the table, thanks mainly to big victories, such as the 4-0 win against arch-rivals Real Madrid in the El Clasico two weeks ago.

However, at a pre-match press conference on Saturday, the German did not accept that La Real could be an easy choice given their recent poor home form.

“Every game is different, the counter is always at zero,” emphasized Flick. “And even more so against Barca. The whole stadium will support them, they know how to put pressure on.”

“It is important for us to have confidence and possession of the ball in order to continue our idea of ​​playing with and without the ball. “It’s important to have more possession of the ball and create chances and take advantage of them,” added Flick.

There were two injury concerns: Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal were missing from the last training session before Flick spoke to the press.

While the former was said to be suffering from a bout of gastroenteritis ASThe latter trained in the gym and not on the field at Joan Gamper CT.

Neither player will start, Lamine is suffering an injury, which was confirmed by the club shortly before kick-off.

The front line is completed by striker Robert Lewandowski and usual left winger Raphinha, who regains his place on the right wing that he left to Lamine when the La Masia pearl was promoted to Xavi Hernandez’s first team last season.

On the left wing, Fermin Lopez will be rewarded for his strong performance against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League during the week.

Flick maintains the same midfield by trusting Frenkie de Jong alongside Pedri and ahead of pivot Marc Casado.

Back in defense, Gerard Martin is out, while Alejandro Balde takes his usual place at left-back.

Balde is joined by the usual three men, meaning Inigo Martinez joins Pau Cubarsi in central defense and Belgrade’s hat-trick king of assists, Jules Kounde, helps protect Inaki Pena’s goal at right-back.