Hansi Flick hints at new role for Barcelona star

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has on Friday dropped something of a hint regarding new plans for a member of his defensive ranks.

This comes owing to the latest significant injury setback suffered by Barcelona during the week.

The Blaugrana are of course fresh off making it three wins from three to open the campaign, at the expense of Rayo Vallecano in midweek.

On an otherwise positive evening’s work, however, Flick and co. were also dealt a heavy blow.

As much came upon youngster Marc Bernal being forced into a premature departure from the action at Vallecas, deep into injury time.

Put through an ensuing round of medical scans, it was subsequently revealed that the 17-year-old had suffered an ACL tear, as well as meniscus damage, in his left knee.

With Bernal having featured from the off, and shone in each of Barcelona’s first three fixtures of the term, it is safe to say that the Catalans have some work to do in replacing him.

Speaking to the media on Friday, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of his plans for precisely as much was put to the aforementioned Hansi Flick.

And, in his response, the German tactician hinted at both an increased role for Marc Casadó, and defender Eric García being converted into a full-time pivot:

“We need a Busquets. I’ve seen things in Marc Bernal but we have to replace him now. Marc Casadó or Eric can occupy that position, they know how we want to play in that position and we are going to give them the opportunity to play. I have full confidence.”

Conor Laird | GSFN