Hansi Flick has one major selection dilemma ahead of Barcelona’s UCL tie vs Crvena Zvezda

A recent report from Toni Juanmarti via SPORT suggests that Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is facing a challenging decision regarding his starting line-up for the Champions League clash against Crvena Zvezda. 

Flick is reportedly torn between resting either Pedri or Marc Casado for the upcoming match, primarily to keep his midfield rotation consistent and ensure every player remains fit and engaged for a demanding season.

With nearly all his midfielders available for this match, Flick has been keen to keep his squad fresh, often implementing a rotation policy that allows players to maintain rhythm without overloading any one individual. 

For the manager, managing this balance has become crucial as he tries to keep the team performing at its peak. Tonight in Belgrade, he aims to strike a fine balance between fielding a competitive line-up and managing player workloads effectively.

Changes in midfield

Hansi Flick will pick either Pedri or Marc Casado. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Frenkie de Jong is expected to be a definite starter in midfield, leaving just one spot open, which explains Flick’s careful consideration between Pedri and Casado. 

Both players have been performing well, showing strong form, which adds to the challenge. Flick’s rotation policy is intentional rather than excessive, as he recognises the importance of keeping the entire team match-ready while avoiding fatigue. 

His decisions are also shaped by upcoming fixtures; after Belgrade, Barcelona face a tough league match against Real Sociedad, so he will want players to be in top condition for that encounter.

As for the rest of the line-up, it appears likely that the defence and attack will remain largely unchanged. Flick seems to understand the importance of continuity in certain positions, especially given the competitive fixture list. 

But given the intensity of tonight’s Champions League game, Flick is expected to make slight adjustments to ensure his side is well-prepared and competitive against Crvena Zvezda.