Hansi Flick to Make Strategic Changes as Barcelona Faces Celta Vigo

FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is set to make two significant decisions for the upcoming La Liga match against Celta Vigo. The match, scheduled for Saturday, comes after Celta Vigo’s impressive performance against Real Madrid earlier this month. Flick anticipates «a good game, a good Celta» and stresses the importance of starting strongly after the international break.

Flick has highlighted the absence of young talent Lamine Yamal, citing that while there were expectations he might play against Celta, the decision was made to not involve the 17-year-old. Flick emphasized the need to adapt with other players, stating, «we have some limitations, such as Lamine who is not there. We have quality with players who can vary their position. It’s always the same, we look at what we need and design our game plan. I hope we do well tomorrow.»

Despite talks in the media, Flick dismisses the notion that the team’s performance solely relies on Lamine’s presence. Barcelona’s only league defeats this season occurred when Lamine was not on the field – against Osasuna in September and Real Sociedad more recently. «Against Real Sociedad we didn’t play well and this is the reason for the result, not because Lamine didn’t play. He’s very important for us, but we can adapt with other players. He won’t be able to play tomorrow, we’ll see when he’ll be ready. The important thing is that when he returns he is one hundred percent,» Flick insisted.

To cover Lamine’s absence, Flick has considered «several options,» listing players such as Raphinha, Fermin Lopez, Pau Victor, Pablo Torre, and Dani Olmo. Ultimately, Raphinha will replace Lamine on the right while Olmo will assume Raphinha’s usual position on the opposite flank. Complementing the attacking trio is Robert Lewandowski.

A significant change is also expected in the midfield as Gavi is set to make his first start of the season. Flick affirmed, «he’s ready to play the 90 minutes.» Gavi will play alongside Pedri in more advanced midfield roles, with Marc Casado positioned as the pivot.

The defensive lineup remains largely unchanged, featuring Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, and Gerard Martin replacing Alejandro Balde in the back line. The responsibility of guarding Barcelona’s goal falls to Inaki Pena.

The expected starting lineup for Barcelona against Celta Vigo is Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo, Martin; Casado, Pedri, Gavi; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Olmo.