Hansi Flick spoke about the importance of a strong defensive performance as Barcelona get ready for the first El Clásico of the season against Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, the coach spoke about the threat of Kylian Mbappé and how Barça’s two center-backs, Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín, will need to be strong and aggressive to stop the French striker.
Flick also talked about doing a better job defending set pieces given Madrid’s aerial threat and the
fact Barça conceded a goal from a corner in the defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek.
“The important thing is to position yourself well with the ball and without the ball. Pressure on the player with the ball, advanced defense. And I think Cubarsí and Gerard are playing very well. What they are doing is incredible, they talk, they play, they are growing together.
“We know Real Madrid’s strengths, and they’re among the best at set pieces. They’re also physically strong. We have to defend better than we did in Paris. We discussed it today.”
Barça’s attack will have chances against what has been a vulnerable Madrid defense this season, but they also need to be really good at the back. José Mourinho’s side will likely sit back and counter-attack, and the Blaugrana need to be at their best without the ball to get the edge in this one.
