Flick makes five major changes

On By Littum

FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick will make five major changes to his line-up when the Catalans visit Real Betis in Montjuic for a Copa del Rey round of 16 tie on Wednesday.

The Blaugrana are riding high after thrashing bitter rivals Real Madrid 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup title at the weekend, with Flick sealing his first piece of silverware in the Barca dugout since taking over from sacked predecessor Xavi Hernandez last. summer.

In a pre-match press conference where he discussed situations involving potential exits for Ronald Araujo and Ansu Fati in the ongoing winter transfer window, Flick demanded that his men show the same level at the expense of his Andalusian visitors “with the same attitude” while they were ” just as focused”.

“We are prepared and we want to win it, every time, every race… Betis is a very good and very aggressive team and we have to show that we are one of the best,” he demanded.

The first change Flick must make to his side involves bringing goalkeeper Inaki Pena back into the fold.

Wojciech Szczesny, who was signed as a back-up at the start of October when Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a season-ending injury, only made his 2024/25 debut at the turn of the year for Barca’s 4-0 Copa del Rey win over Barbastro.

Pena’s failure to report for duty at an agreed time for the squad in Saudi Arabia meant the Pole was handed the nod for the 2-0 Spanish Super Cup semi-final win against Athletic Club and then the aforementioned final clash with Madrid.

Because ‘Tek’, as he’s known in the dressing room, was sent off for bringing down Kylian Mbappe in the second half of El Clasico, but he can’t face Betis, meaning Pena is back in the starting XI.

There are also changes in defense as Inigo Martinez tears his right hamstring.

Araujo takes his place to partner Pau Cubarsi, while Jules Konde and Gerard Martin are the right and left backs.

In midfield we will enjoy a pivot partnership of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong behind CAM Gavi at the expense of Marc Casado.

An attacking trident regarded as the best in world football – of left and right wingers Raphinha and Lamine Yamal plus striker Lewandowski – has broken up.

While the wide men maintain their berths, Robert Lewandowski ensures that Dani Olmo will be the center forward on paper.