Hansi Flick is actively preparing for the highly anticipated second leg of Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan, set to take place next Tuesday at the San Siro.
After the thrilling 3-3 draw in the first encounter at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, the German manager is contemplating a bold change to his starting lineup — a decision that could have a direct influence on the Catalan club’s attacking dynamics.
As reported by Spanish outlet El Nacional, all eyes are on Dani Olmo, who was handed a starting role in the first leg but fell short of expectations.
The Spanish international struggled to find his rhythm throughout the match, making uncharacteristic mistakes in key areas and failing to build a productive connection with fellow attackers Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres. Although Flick has consistently backed Olmo since his arrival, the player’s recent dip in form is forcing the coach to consider other options for this crucial showdown.
Currently, the standout candidate to take Olmo’s place is Fermín López. The young midfielder has impressed repeatedly this season, often making noticeable contributions when coming off the bench. In his cameo appearance during the first leg, Fermín displayed confidence, relentless energy, and calmness under pressure — attributes that have made a strong impression on Flick and his coaching staff.
The technical team believes Fermín is well-suited for the tactical demands of the San Siro fixture. His ability to press aggressively and offer offensive support from midfield could be vital against Inter Milan, a team known for dictating the pace of games.
Barcelona will need to sharpen both their defensive organization and attacking precision, and Fermín’s physicality and dynamism might give them the extra edge they need.
Moreover, Fermín has shown significant improvement in recent months, gradually earning Flick’s trust as a reliable option in the latter stages of matches. His sharp movement off the ball, combined with a knack for unleashing powerful shots from distance, positions him as a potential surprise weapon in Flick’s tactical plan against Simone Inzaghi’s side.
Meanwhile, Dani Olmo’s struggles are partly attributed to lingering injuries that have disrupted his season. While his technical quality remains unquestioned, his recent performances have lacked the decisiveness required at this stage of the competition.
With training sessions in the coming days likely to influence Flick’s final decision, it’s clear that Olmo’s spot in the starting lineup is no longer guaranteed, as Fermín López pushes for a starting role in one of Barcelona’s most decisive matches of the season.
Leave a Reply