Commenting on the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, which ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw, Spanish football legend Andrés Iniesta analyzed several tactical aspects of the Catalan team’s performance under coach Hansi Flick.
Speaking on Radio Catalunya, Iniesta highlighted key moments from the match and raised concerns over some of Flick’s decisions, which have sparked debate among fans.
One of the main points of discussion was the situation of young midfielder Marc Casado. Iniesta questioned why Casado, who had impressed in his only start against Las Palmas, was not given any minutes against Atlético Madrid, either as a starter or a substitute. “The second half was the perfect moment for Casado,” Iniesta said. “The team was under pressure, and there’s no one better in the squad for that situation.”
He expressed surprise that Flick chose to keep Frenkie de Jong on the pitch despite his poor performance while substituting Pedri, who had been one of the most influential attacking players. Iniesta also suggested that Gavi should be left out of the starting lineup for now, stating, “I have great respect for Gavi, but at this level, his presence in the starting eleven could harm the team’s season.”
Barcelona’s defensive issues in the closing moments of the match were another major concern for Iniesta. He pointed out that the team failed to capitalize on key moments due to defensive disorganization. “If they had maintained their defensive structure instead of rushing forward and leaving gaps, they could have created more chances and controlled the game better,” he explained.
Iniesta concluded by urging Flick to reconsider his tactical approach, advocating for a more balanced formation and greater rotation of players. He emphasized the need to give more opportunities to those who have proven their ability in previous matches rather than sticking to the same lineup despite inconsistent performances.
