Hansi Flick weighs risky Rodri decision before Barcelona face PSG – report

Hansi Flick weighs risky Rodri decision before Barcelona face PSG – report Barcelona’s defensive injury crisis has forced Hansi Flick to consider an unusual solution ahead of the Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain. On that note, according to SPORT , the match in Paris could see Rodri in central defence, despite the midfielder’s growing influence coming from the middle of the field. As per the outlet, Flick could repeat the experiment he used during the closing stages of Barcelona’s victory over Real Betis , deploying the Spanish international at centre-back to compensate for the absences of Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen. However, the potential reshuffle comes with a high tactical cost.  Rodri has become central to Barcelona’s ability to control possession, progress through pressure and dictate the tempo of matches.  Hence, moving him backwards could solve an immediate defensive problem while weakening the midfield against one of Europe’s strongest sides. Gerard Martin fitness could determine Flick’s decision The availability of Gerard Martin could prove decisive. The defender suffered a heavy blow to his heel against Betis but has been included in Barcelona’s travelling squad for the PSG encounter. If Martin is fit enough to partner Pau Cubarsi in central defence, Flick could retain Rodri in his preferred midfield role.  Rodri’s influence from midfield is critical for Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) However, if the defender remains compromised, the Barcelona manager may have to consider using Rodri as a makeshift centre-back. The decision carries particular importance because PSG possess a formidable midfield featuring Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves.  Keeping Rodri alongside Pedri would give Barcelona greater control in the centre of the pitch, making the choice about defensive cover a tactical calculation rather than just a question of filling a position. Rodri’s passing numbers underline his importance Barcelona’s recent performances demonstrate why Flick may hesitate to move the midfielder.  Against Getafe, Rodri completed 119 of his 124 attempted passes, recording a 96% success rate in 71 minutes, as Barcelona finished the match with 83% possession, their highest figure during Flick’s tenure . His influence continued in the 4-1 victory over Galatasaray, where he played the full 90 minutes as Barcelona completed 632 of 694 passes and registered 71% possession. Rodri was again instrumental against Betis, completing the entire match in Barcelona’s 5-2 win.  Flick might be forced to use Rodri in defence. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) He scored his first goal for the club, completed 126 passes at a 98% success rate, created two chances and found a teammate with all 10 of his attempted long balls. Those performances reinforce his importance as the link between Barcelona’s defence and attack.  His passing accuracy across the season also stands at 95%, the highest percentage among midfielders in La Liga, which shows how important he has become. Barcelona face a midfield battle against PSG According to the outlet, Barcelona lead La Liga with average possession of 70.1%, ahead of Villarreal on 60.6%, Atletico Madrid on 59.8%, Athletic Club on 53.9% and Real Madrid on 53.1%, and it is largely down to Rodri. The Spaniard helps Barcelona escape opposition pressure, connect with their forwards and decide when to accelerate attacks or slow the game down. Flick must therefore weigh the defensive security of moving Rodri into the backline against the risk of losing his influence in midfield.  With PSG posing a major test in possession and pressing, Gerard Martin’s fitness could ultimately determine whether Barcelona can maintain their preferred structure or must sacrifice one of their most important midfielders to cover the defensive absences.