FC Barcelona’s season will conclude in less than a week, and following that, Xavi Hernandez will be relieved of his first-team managerial position.
All indications currently point to Hansi Flick, a former manager of Bayern Munich and the Germany national team, taking over as the Catalan powerhouse’ next head coach.
The 59-year-old has been desperate to join Barça ever since Xavi’s position began to be questioned. He has been jobless since losing his job in Germany.
It is said that Flick and his agent spoke with Barcelona officials this week, suggesting that things may be progressing for him.
Here are three possible lineups for Barcelona in the event that Flick replaces Xavi as manager for the upcoming campaign.
A recognizable 4-2-3-1
Hansi Flick has always favored to use a 4-2-3-1 configuration with a double pivot in the middle of the field during his two positions with Bayern Munich and Germany. He may also bring such setup to Barcelona.
Barça would be the first team to adopt a formation like that since they have always played in a 4-3-3 configuration.
The tactical change might be advantageous for players like Robert Lewandowski and Ilkay Gundogan, who played under Flick with Bayern Munich and Germany, respectively, and Frenkie de Jong, should he stay.
Fermin Lopez and Pedri would be contenders for the No. 10 spot, while Pablo Torre—who is back on loan—might also get a shot at the new configuration.
Maintaining the Barça style with a 4-3-3
However, Hansi Flick might keep with Barcelona’s philosophy and heritage by sticking with the 4-3-3 system that the Catalans have been using on a regular basis.
But Barça’s major goal going into the summer transfer window is to get a top-tier defensive midfielder if they are to succeed with that lineup.
In addition to Joshua Kimmich and Martin Zubimendi, Guido Rodriguez is scheduled to arrive. In the event that the latter two players showed up, they would immediately be paired in midfield with Pedri and Gundogan.
An innovative 3-4-3
Finally, Hansi Flick may choose to try a different tactic and employ a 3-4-3 system, considering Barcelona’s abundance of center backs and their lack of defensive resoluteness this season.
To have a left-footed defender in the backline, the manager might choose to use Jules Kounde in his natural position as center back alongside Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo (if he stays), or perhaps Inigo Martinez.
Given his attacking prowess, Alejandro Balde would be a great addition to the left wing-back position and bring a new dimension going forward.
But it would raise concerns about how Flick would use the midfielders he has available and the composition of the attacking line as well and how Lamine Yamal would fit into the system.