Hansi Flick explains surprise selection decision for Barcelona’s game vs Mallorca

Barcelona announced the starting lineup for tonight’s La Liga game against RCD Mallorca an hour ago and there was a huge surprise as manager Hansi Flick opted to leave Robert Lewandowski out.

The 36-year-old Polish international striker has been a permanent fixture in the team this season, starting each of the Catalans’ 20 matches until tonight.

Considering that Barça are under pressure to win after securing only one point from their last three matches in La Liga, the decision came as quite a shock.

Flick explains his decision to bench Lewandowski

Speaking to the media just before kickoff, the Barcelona manager explained the decision to leave Lewandowski out of the starting lineup.

“He has played many minutes and it is necessary for him to rest. On Saturday, we have a big game (against Real Betis), and next week as well (against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, 11th). I think it is good for him to rest,” Flick stated.

Flick also emphasised the importance of avoiding the mistakes made in the previous three games in order to turn their recent form around.

“Well, we need to win this match. I think we are playing well, but in the end, I have missed about 5% more concentration, being more effective in front of goal. We need more focus in the most important situations, not only to score but also to defend,” the German coach explained.

Despite Lewandowski’s absence from the starting eleven, the Barcelona manager welcomed the three key players: Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Marc Casado, back into the starting XI.

“They all play very well with the ball. Casado is very important for us, as is Dani Olmo, who always knows what to do with the ball and has great ability. I hope Lamine can show his quality,” Flick remarked.

Another concern for Flick is how the team will handle the pressure of not having won in their last three games.

“It is part of the game. We have a very young team, and we need to work on it. I love working with young players, as does my staff. We hope that today we leave Mallorca with a victory,” he concluded.