Speaking to Movistar, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has explained the surprise selections he has made in the lineup for the La Liga clash against Deportivo Alaves.
With the team hampered by injuries, especially in the defensive line, the German manager has been forced to make some notable tweaks to the team.
As such, teenage midfielder Brian Farinas starts at right-back for Barcelona tonight , making his first official senior appearance, in the absence of Xavi Espart, Eric Garcia, and Jules Kounde.
Meanwhile, the other surprise decision from the Barça head coach sees seasoned midfielder Frenkie de Jong slot in as Pau Cubarsi's centre-back partner.
"I spoke with both of them before the match. And both told me they're ready and want to help the team,"said Flick (h/t FCB World ).
"We know very well that these aren't the usual positions they play in. But we've worked with them during training on performing these roles, and things are looking good,"he added.
Making his official debut for Barcelona. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Showing faith in the pair to perform in makeshift roles, Flick further affirmed: "We have great confidence in both of them, and I'm sure they'll give everything they've got for the team."
After having lost their last two games against PSG in the UEFA Champions League and Real Madrid in La Liga, Flick stressed the importance of winning tonight's match against Alaves.
"It's extremely important; it's absolutely crucial that we secure the win today,"he said.
With Atletico Madrid moving to the top of the La Liga table after beating Levante earlier today, Flick noted:
"If we want to win La Liga, we need to return to the top of the standings. We're in a fierce competition with Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid, as well as Real Betis.
"They're truly exceptional teams, and that's why it's so vital for us to claim all three points today."
Barcelona lost their last two matches. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Regarding what he and his Barcelona team can expect from their opponents, Alaves, tonight at Camp Nou, the German manager added:
"We expect Alaves to defend in very deep areas, and also to rely on attacking transitions and counterattacks. I think they will focus a lot on these aspects."
However, he insisted that Barcelona must remain focused on their own qualities, saying:
"But for us, this doesn't change anything about the way we want to play. We want to possess the ball, move it constantly, and force the opponent to move through our passes.
"And as I always say, it's extremely important not to make mistakes when transitions happen in the game, especially when we lose the ball.
"We must continue to push forward, while maintaining focus and balance. This is exactly what we want to do today."
