Barcelona take on Newcastle in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Wednesday and need a win to progress to the quarter-finals.
Hansi Flick has some key decisions to make about his XI for the match, not least in attack where Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres have been struggling for form.
Flick was asked if Dani Olmo as a false nine could be an option against Eddie Howe’s side and certainly wasn’t ruling it out.
“It could be an option. In matches like these, all the players are
motivated,” he said. “We need Ferran and Lewy at their best until the end of the season to achieve our goals. It’s crucial for us.”
Lamine Yamal will also play a key role again, with Flick warning Newcastle that the winger has been flying in training before the match.
“Lamine is a player who can make a difference. He trained fantastically yesterday,” he said. “The Champions League is the best competition in the world, and everyone wants to play in it. It’s extra motivation for every player.”
A late Yamal penalty last time out rescued a point for Barcelona and he was then given a rest against Sevilla at the weekend, coming off the bench in the second half.
Would you like to see Olmo as a false 9 against Newcastle? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
