Hansi Flick hits back at critics of Barcelona’s high line

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has this weekend fired back at the long-term critics of his side’s defensive setup.

Barca’s high line has of course long been the subject of debate amongst fans and pundits alike.

Under the watch of Hansi Flick, the Blaugrana have spent the last couple of seasons deploying a remarkably risky defensive strategy.

In pressing forward as a unit, they leave massive space in behind, which is frequently exploited by opposing attacks.

And yet, Barcelona continue to thrive, pushing for a 2nd successive league title, and eyeing up another deep run in the Champions League.

Fresh off a hard-fought victory over Athletic Club this weekend, Hansi Flick was therefore drawn on his unique defensive strategy once more.

And as alluded to above, the German tactician made use of the chance to justify his tactics, in explaining:

“People always say: The high line, the line! But it’s not that. It does not matter how high we play, nor the players in the backline. It matters how we press. If we press well, the high line works. If not, we can get hit in behind easily.”

Conor Laird – GSFN