The UEFA Champions League is always a competition that FC Barcelona aspires to do well in. While they have been let down in recent seasons, this ongoing campaign certainly feels different. As it stands right now, Barcelona are one game away from a potential final.
Heading into that game, however, there will be some big problems and concerns to address. First and foremost, Barcelona will have to be better defensively and it is an area that cost that a lot during this recent first leg encounter that ended with a 3-3 score-line.
Moreover, set pieces proved to be difficult for Barcelona to defend and it is an area where certain players have acknowledged that the team needs to improve as well. However, another major issue that the team coaching staff will need to tend to is the injury to Jules Kounde.
Barcelona have a plan to replace Jules Kounde
As the undisputed starter for the Catalan giants this season, Kounde is a crucial player in Hansi Flick’s system. However, with him injured, there now needs to be an alternative plan of action that will require Flick and his team to come up with a new solution.
For now, according to AS, everything points to Eric Garcia being that solution. While the 24-year-old Spanish player is not naturally a full-back, he has proven throughout this season that he has the versatility to adapt to various positions and play there.
Having already showcased his ability to operate as both a centre-back and as a defensive midfielder, he even played as a full-back this season to a degree. Furthermore, following Kounde’s injury against Inter Milan, Garcia was the player that came on and replaced him.
Garcia’s strengths and the return of a key player
He has the technical ability and positional awareness to adapt to such a role, but it all depends on the instructions and mentoring that Hansi Flick gives him. After all, against a team like Inter Milan, even a single mistake can be costly and Barcelona were made aware of that fact in the first leg.
Fortunately for Barça, another currently injured full-back is expected to be back for that game. Alejandro Balde, who was previously out injured and missed both the Copa del Rey final and this recent first leg, will likely be back for the second leg at the San Siro as he looks to start that game.
