Flick remains committed to Barca's high defensive line amid ongoing backline issues

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has promised to continue employing a high defensive line even with the challenges faced at the rear as the title holders head to meet Celta Vigo on Sunday in La Liga.

The Catalan club was exposed multiple times by Club Brugge during an exciting 3-3 draw in the Champions League on Wednesday, allowing the Belgian outfit to exploit Barcelona's steadfast tactic.

In the previous campaign, Flick's squad secured a domestic treble using this very dynamic method, embracing risks and generally succeeding, yet it is becoming tougher for them to uphold it now.

Barcelona sit five points behind La Liga frontrunners Real Madrid and suffered a defeat in the Clasico against Xabi Alonso's team in late October.

Positioned 11th in the Champions League table, the semi-finalists from last term had to overturn deficits three times to secure a point against Brugge.

Flick stated that his side would persist with their style, despite rivals figuring out ways to penetrate behind Barcelona's defence with concerning frequency.

"We could opt for a low block and defend deep in the final third, or we stick to our path, our philosophy, the way we intend to operate, and improve matters significantly," Flick remarked on Wednesday.

"We have faced some difficulties, lacking confidence at times. Naturally, we could discuss overhauling our approach, but I am not the type of manager to do that, as we aim to embody our core identity.

"We refuse to drop into a low block for defensive purposes and then rely on transitions to scrape a 1-0 victory."

This season, Barcelona has been plagued by injuries, which Flick views as a key factor in their suboptimal performance.

His demanding high-energy style means that when key players are absent, the remaining squad members carrying heavy workloads lack freshness and peak pressing ability, essential for the tactic's effectiveness.

"Every player must occupy the correct spot, and from there apply pressure," Flick explained, noting that the defensive unit is not at fault if those ahead fail in their roles.

"We struggle to win midfield battles, making it tough for the defence to handle speedy forwards...

"We believe we might elevate our game post-international break with Raphinha's return, Joan Garcia's availability, and Pedri rejoining us."

Those three players will likely sit out the trip to Celta, a venue where Barcelona has faltered in recent times, claiming victory in only two of their past 10 league outings at Balaidos.

Flick committed to enhancing their defence this term, but so far, that goal has not materialised.

The departure of experienced Inigo Martinez in the summer has played a role, alongside Flick's indecision on a primary central defensive duo.

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong highlighted multiple factors behind their defensive shortcomings.

"We show vulnerability on counters, in tracking runners, and in our positioning at the back, it encompasses various elements," the Dutch midfielder noted.

In recent matches, another concern for Barcelona has been the performance of young sensation Lamine Yamal following a groin problem.

The forward rediscovered his top form versus Brugge, netting an outstanding goal alongside other crucial efforts.

During the prior season, the 18-year-old often bailed out Barcelona from tough spots.

"I am pleased Lamine has regained this standard, but we cannot predict how the injury might affect him tomorrow or next Sunday," Flick cautioned, doubtful about depending on the winger to rescue them should the defensive framework falter once more.

Key stats

0 - clean sheets for Barca in their last six league games

6 - assists provided by Getafe's Luis Milla, no player in Europe's top five leagues has more

11 - Atletico Madrid have taken the lead in every La Liga match they have played so far

Fixtures

Friday (all times GMT)

Elche v Real Sociedad (2000)

Saturday

Girona v Alaves (1300), Sevilla v Osasuna (1515), Atletico Madrid v Levante (1730), Espanyol v Villarreal (2000)

Sunday

Athletic Bilbao v Real Oviedo (1300), Rayo Vallecano v Real Madrid (1515), Mallorca v Getafe, Valencia v Real Betis (both 1730), Celta Vigo v Barcelona (2000)