This one is guaranteed to generate debate. Did Hansi Flick make the right call with his team selection against Espanyol?
With Real Madrid, once again, dropping points against Girona on Friday, the manager had a choice to make with his team now leading by nine points at the top of the table.
Earlier in the week, Barcelona suffered a shocking 2-0 loss at home against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final. This is not how he drew it up.
Given the circumstances, many fans
expected to see Lamine Yamal and Pedri start the game from the bench against Espanyol in a game that, whatever the side of the debate you fall on, was not a must win.
What seems clear is that Flick did not want to play games with an opportunity to put a virtually insurmountable distance between Barca and Real Madrid. This was a chance to go for the knock out blow.
Does this make the second game against Atleti even more of a challenge? Yes, but Flick will be telling his players now to go out on Tuesday and leave it all on the field, because that’s the final of the season. After that, there is rest coming with a break for the Cope del Rey final on the weekend, and real chances for rotation now in the remaining La Liga games to come.
Winning La Liga is always priority number one. Getting two in a row is a monumental achievement for Flick and Barcelona as a club given the financial circumstances they are operating in.
You still take the Champions League seriously, but mounting a comeback was going to be a big challenge whether or not Flick rotated on the weekend.
In the end, Flick got what he wanted. Lamine Yamal was the star of the show against Espanyol, and as a result, Barcelona are within striking distance of the most important trophy that’s up for grabs.
I still believe a comeback is possible against Atleti.
As tired as they are, the convincing win against Espanyol will give Barcelona confidence and adrenaline heading into the quarter-final knockout. Just look at the celebrations from the players after the final whistle. They still believe.
Flick even got to practice a three in the back formation on the weekend, to success mind you, that could be utilized to gain an advantage.
All systems are a go.
Barcelona are on their way to another successful season under Flick.
His coaching may be imperfect at times, but his leadership has always been steady, and that’s the biggest reason why back-to-back La Liga titles are within his grasp.
I wouldn’t bet against him in the Champions League either.
