FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick will make a series of interesting changes to his line up when the defending champions travel to Racing Santander for a last 16 Copa del Rey tie.
Madrid’s 3-2 upset and KO – in a nightmare start for new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa – at Albacete on Wednesday night should serve as a warning to the Goliaths not to underestimate David.
With the Super Cup already clinched, which contributed to Xabi Alonso losing his job, Flick can now concentrate on retaining Spain’s other two domestic trophies won last season in his maiden term at the Spotify Camp Nou.
FC Barcelona coach Flick will keep his word
At a prematch press conference on Wednesday where he was asked about Alonso’s dismissal, Flick confirmed that Joan Garcia would play.
This comes as bad news to Marc-Andre ter Stegen, with second string ‘keepers often allowed to play in the cup as we saw with Andriy Lunin at Thibaut Courtois’ expense last night.
But it can also be taken as a sign that the German is taking no chances, as the World Cup hopeful that has been fantastic so far in 2026 is protected by a back line of Alejandro Balde, Gerard Martin, Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde.
That means there is no space in the line up for new signing Joao Cancelo, the most expensive player in the world in his position, but Flick said the Portuguese will get some minutes at some point.
It’s a new look midfield and attack for FC Barcelona
Flick has gone for a completely new look midfield and attack compared to last time out against Real Madrid.
With the two Marcs – Bernal and Casado – operating in a double pivot, Dani Olmo is in front of them as CAM.
On the attacking line, Ferran Torres is the striker with Marcus Rashford and a Roony Bardghji that Flick has closed the exit door to on either side of the Spanish target man.
This means rests for the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, but we could see them at some point if things get serious.
What did FC Barcelona coach Flick say?
“We’ll have to be ready from the first minute,” Flick warned.
“We had to decide what we wanted. We’re well covered at centre-back with Gerard Martin, Eric and Cubarsi, and with [Ronald] Araujo back as well. Cancelo is a fantastic player, very professional and very strong going forward. We need players with quality when opponents sit deep in the final third, and he’s a good option for that,” he then later added, as per why Barca had gone for the Portuguese.
FC Barcelona Vs. Racing Santander kicks off at 21.00 local time in Spain.
