Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has explained his decision to start Dani Olmo as a false nine against Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night. The German left Gabriel Jesus on the bench for the trip to Istanbul, choosing a more technical option up front as his side looks to control the ball in a hostile environment at RAMS Park.
Hansi Flick made it clear that the choice was driven by what he expects from the hosts. Galatasaray are known for pressing high, and the Barcelona boss wants his team to keep possession and dictate the tempo rather than rely solely on a traditional centre-forward.
“From all the games we have looked at before, we know that they are going to put pressure on us; we have to control them with the ball,” he aid. “That’s why I’ve put Dani as a ‘9’, he can also control the ball, that’s what it’s all about. We also have to manage the load of minutes, since the next game is on Saturday; it must be managed.”
The selection also allows Flick to rotate minutes ahead of a domestic fixture at the weekend. Olmo’s ability to drop deeper and link play fits the plan of dominating the middle of the park while still offering a threat in the final third.
(More to follow)
