Barcelona are preparing to face Benfica in a decisive Champions League match tonight in the group stage, as coach Hansi Flick plans to make major changes to his starting lineup.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional”, the biggest surprise is expected to be the exclusion of Robert Lewandowski, who is considered one of the undisputed key players in the team. Within the Barcelona technical staff, some have started to believe that, despite the good numbers achieved by the Polish striker, the team seems more effective in his absence on the pitch.
Flick’s decision is not coincidental but came after a comprehensive analysis of the team’s performance in recent matches. The team has shown better results in Lewandowski’s absence, with the attack characterized by smoother movement and a better ability to press. For example, in the Copa del Rey match against Real Betis, Dani Olmo played in the “false 9” position, and Barcelona managed to achieve a convincing victory, with effective participation from wingers such as Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
One of the main reasons that prompted Flick to reconsider Lewandowski’s role is his age, as he is 36 years old. Although he still poses a significant threat in the penalty area, his ability to press high and integrate with the team has significantly diminished. In a competition like the Champions League, Flick wants the team to maintain constant pressure on the opposition, which becomes even more difficult with Lewandowski in the squad.
The decision to drop the Polish striker has not gone without some debate in the dressing room. Some players, such as Lamine Yamal and Pedri, believe that the team gains more dynamism without Lewandowski, while others insist that the Pole’s experience and ability to score remain essential in big games. Ultimately, Flick’s decision could be a turning point in the season, with the coach opting for a style of play that relies more on continuous movement than traditional positioning.
Despite the controversy that this decision may generate, Flick insists that the aim is to improve the team’s collective performance. Lewandowski’s condition will be closely monitored in the coming weeks, and if the new system is successful, the Pole could see his minutes on the pitch significantly reduced.
The match against Benfica will be a crucial test of how Barcelona can perform without their top scorer in the starting lineup. But what is clear is that Flick’s decision has brought about a major change in the dressing room and could mark the beginning of a new phase in the history of the Catalan club.