'Anyone Who Drops Back A Metre Will Be Substituted': How Hansi Flick’s High Line Stand In Half-Time El Clasico Talk Shaped Win Against Real Madrid
The German manager played a high line during the fixture, creating an offside trap for Real Madrid. Despite finding themselves in a high-pressure game, Flick refused to drop his strategy and was rewarded with a thumping win over his side's bitter rivals.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick had some strict orders for his players during the recent El Clasico fixture. The Catalan giants were in sublime form at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 27 in their Laliga fixture. The current league leaders scored four past the Los Blancos to secure a win in the Spanish top flight.
The German manager played a high line during the fixture, creating an offside trap for Real Madrid. Despite finding themselves in a high-pressure game, Flick refused to drop his strategy. It has now been revealed that he even threatened to substitute any player who failed to adhere to his instructions. As per Mundo Deportivo, Flick said, “Anyone who drops back a metre. I’ll substitute them."
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As the El Clasico fixture appeared closer, there was much curiosity about how Flick would counter Real Madrid’s attack. Real Madrid’s offense included two of football’s biggest stars Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe. The opening half of the game was a rather tight affair with both sides remaining goalless. But Flick did not deviate from his style of play. He implied the advanced pressing that has been a major part of Barcelona’s character since day one. Even with a 0-0 scoreline, Flick reiterated the approach in his half-time team talk.
Flick asked his players to maintain the defensive line in the same position as they did in the first half. Despite Kylian Mbappe’s goal being ruled out for offside, the German manager was unwilling to part ways from his tactical call. The only change Barcelona witnessed in the second half was in the players. Frenkie de Jong replaced Fermin Lopez in the 45th minute, paving the way for a flurry of goals. Within 10 minutes of the substitution, Robert Lewandoski found the back of the net twice before Lamine Yamal and Raphina added a couple more.
As for Flick’s high-line tactic, it worked a treat for Barcelona as Real Madrid were caught offside 12 times during the blockbuster fixture. Kylian Mbappe was given eight of those offsides as he struggled in his first-ever El Clasico. Following an impressive show, Barcelona marched on with a statement victory at the Santiago Bernabeu. They extended the gap to six points over Real Madrid 11 matches into the campaign. Barcelona are next set to take on Espanyol on November 3. As for Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will face AC Milan in the Champions League on November 6.
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