Hansi Flick could recreate his double pivot system with Real Sociedad midfielder’s signing – report

Barcelona appointed Hansi Flick as their new manager earlier this month, following the sacking of Xavi Hernandez.

The former Bayern Munich and Germany national team boss takes over a team that failed to win any titles last season, hoping to turn their fortunes around.

Flick’s appointment is also set to usher in a few changes at Barça, starting with the formation and style of play.

Moving on from the club’s traditional 4-3-3 setup, the German tactician is expected to line his team up in his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

Change in targets

It is no secret that Barcelona were pushing hard to sign a pivot this summer when Xavi was in charge and had reached a verbal agreement with Guido Rodriguez over a free transfer as well.

However, with the change in managers, the transfer targets have also altered. Under Xavi, given that Barça played in a 4-3-3, they required a solid positional pivot midfielder like Guido.

But with now Flick taking over and likely to shift to a double-pivot system, they are no longer seeking a player of the Argentine’s mould.

Instead, the Blaugrana are now looking for a midfielder with a more all-round game and have identified Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino as a target, with the technical staff seeing him as a ‘perfect fit’ in Flick’s system.

Recreating the Bayern magic?

Flick will likely play with a 4-2-3-1 at Barça. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

During his time at Bayern Munich, Flick extensively used the 4-2-3-1 formation with Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka forming the double pivot in the middle of the park for the majority of games.

The German midfield axis offered strength, flexibility, and aggression in the centre of the park for Die Roten.

Goretzka was given the license to push forward, which helped Bayern pin the opposition defences back. Kimmich, meanwhile, fulfilled the duties of a No. 6, while also having the freedom to get up the pitch.

By signing Merino, Flick could recreate a similar dynamic at Barcelona by pairing the Spaniard alongside Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutchman is used to playing in a double-pivot setup from his Ajax days as well as with the national team and could benefit from the shift in his role. It could end up being the key to extracting the best out of him.