Hansi Flick makes the first big decision after Chelsea-Barça: 'He'll start tomorrow'

Barça didn't measure up during their visit to Stamford Bridge and paid for it with a result that places the team in 18th position in the Champions League. The Catalans were outmatched in intensity, organization, and in reading the simplest situations. That sense of collective vulnerability set off all the alarms within the coaching staff, who are already preparing changes for tomorrow's match against Alavés.

Hansi Flick is clear that what happened at Stamford Bridge can't happen again if the team wants to take all three points against Alavés. The German coach thoroughly analyzed the sequence of mistakes and has already determined the origin of the problem. That's why he's going to adjust the formation with a very important change that the culé fans are celebrating enthusiastically.

Hansi Flick's decision is now final

Flick's idea is to make a very important change at the tip of the attack. He knows that Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford didn't measure up in the match, so he'll bring in another winger. The German wants a more compact and better synchronized unit, capable of reacting quickly to execute the counter-press that has produced such good results in the past.

That's why Hansi Flick has concluded that it's over with giving Raphinha a rest, a player whose offensive impact is decisive when the team faces moments of doubt. His aggressiveness, quality, and energy in the high press are precisely the tools Barça needed at Chelsea's ground.

For that reason, Raphinha will start tomorrow against Alavés, in a match that is key to regaining confidence and rhythm. The "11" showed at Stamford Bridge that he's ready to take on a starting role. In the few minutes he was on the field, he showed more desire and commitment than Ferran and Rashford, so Flick found it very easy to decide.

Raphinha will start against Alavés, confirmed

The change isn't seen only as an emergency adjustment, but as a clear message to the rest of the team. Hansi Flick expects Raphinha's presence to reignite internal competitiveness and force everyone to raise their level. FC Barcelona needs total commitment, but also determination to correct mistakes and react with character.

Tomorrow, against Alavés, we'll know if the measures Hansi Flick has taken since Tuesday bear fruit. Barça is obliged to take a step forward and Raphinha's presence in the starting eleven is the best possible news. Moreover, to the delight of the culé fans, it's possible that we'll also see Pedri get some minutes.