Hansi Flick thinking of changing up the Barcelona defense against Rayo Vallecano – Report

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LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 05: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first Leg match between SL Benfica and FC Barcelona at Estadio da Luz on March 05, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal.
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images

FC Barcelona will be looking to win all three points against Rayo Vallecano in their upcoming game. The Catalan giants, after having defeated Levante, are now set to play their third La Liga game of the season. However, there might be some notable changes this time around.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Hansi Flick does not appear to be fully convinced with his team’s defensive structure just yet. Since the loss of Inigo Martinez this summer, the Barça coach reportedly believes his defense is not fully balanced.

Some major changes could be considered 

Thus, he is apparently considering the possibility of changing up things for the next fixture. For starters, one change could be that Pau Cubarsi is shifted from the left-sided centre-back position to the right, where he understandably feels more comfortable.

MALLORCA, SPAIN - AUGUST 16: Pau Cubarsí of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RCD Mallorca and FC Barcelona at Estadio de Son Moix on August 16, 2025 in Mallorca, Spain.
Photo Courtesy: The official website of FC Barcelona

That would mean that Ronald Araujo could be used as the left-sided centre-back, or perhaps even Eric Garcia could be used in that position. If the latter is deployed there, as per MD, that would also ensure that Jules Kounde starts as the team’s right-back.

However, Gerard Martin also remains an option and so does Andreas Christensen. In any case, this will be a big decision for Hansi Flick to make, as it is crucial to get these minor details right in order to ensure that Barça can perform at their best possible level.

One major doubt for Barcelona against Rayo

As for other positions, the only doubt for Flick heading into that game will likely be Gavi. Having recently suffered an injury during a training session, it remains to be seen whether or not the Spaniard will be back in time for the game.

Tags FC Barcelona FC Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano Pau Cubarsi