Barcelona tactical change: Hansi Flick expresses satisfaction, reservations

Barcelona continued their good start to year 2025 with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Real Betis in their Copa Del Rey clash on Wednesday night.

Hansi Flick’s side put up a dominant display despite not having Robert Lewandowski up front with Dani Olmo starting as a false nine. Olmo stived on the night, providing two assists.

Dani Olmo started as a false nine against Real Betis (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)

Hansi Flick was very satisfied with the tactical switch, as he told the media post-match (via Sport).

“Dani knows how to play perfectly as a ‘9’, as he has done in the Spanish national team. I have spoken to him. Lewandowski was not an option for today. The plan has gone well. You have also been able to see that we have been in control in midfield, it was very nice to see.”

Moving on, Flick intends to utilise this system going forward when Lewandowski needs to be rested or is unavailable.

Given its success against Betis, it is clear that it can be relied upon for the remainder of the season.

Despite his scoring record, It is clear that 36-year-old Lewandowski cannot be relied upon for every match in a season, so it’s not surprising Flick has decided to have a Plan B.