Flick's wake-up call to his center backs: Araujo and Cubarsí, substitutes against Rayo

The defensive problems of FC Barcelona against Levante at the Ciutat de Valencia have had an immediate effect from Hansi Flick. The Azulgrana coach has almost completely modified his defense against Rayo Vallecano, benching Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsí.

Both the youth player and the 'charrúa' had a hard time against the 'granota' team, suffering serious difficulties in countering the rapid counterattacks of the Valencians. Flick understands that Rayo will execute a similar plan in Vallecas and, therefore, he has used Andreas Christensen and Jules Koundé in his XI.

In principle, the Frenchman will return to the right side, a position that Eric García occupied in the first two matchdays and the last month of the 24/25 season. The player from Martorell will partner with the Dane, while Alejandro Balde is the only one to retain his position on the left. Joan García also remains in goal, now with Wojciech Szczesny registered and available on the bench.

Clear Message from Hansi Flick: There are No Untouchables in his Barça

With the 'benching' for Araujo and Cubarsí, Flick ratifies his position in the management of the team. With the exception of Pedri González and Lamine Yamal, there are no untouchables in his Barça. And be careful, if the Canary Islander and the '10' were to suffer a considerable drop in level, they would also fall out of the lineup.

This last scenario is unlikely, as both the midfielder and the winger are the best in the world at the moment, each in their position. Not in vain, both are candidates for the Ballon d'Or, with the player from Mataró being the main favorite along with Ousmane Dembélé.

In that sense, Flick's bet is clear: maximum demand and total competition for a place in his lineup. Christensen showed conditions to fight for a place in the handful of matches he managed to play in the final stretch of the 24/25 season. In addition, he had a very good preseason (scored a goal against Seoul) and has rejected interesting offers to leave.

In the case of Koundé, the Frenchman was also a substitute against Mallorca and Levante despite being in top physical condition. The defense continues to be Barcelona's Achilles heel due to the permanent advancement of lines, and the coaching staff is looking for the ideal formula to suffer as little as possible at the back.

With the departure of Iñigo Martínez, both Andreas and Eric will have more opportunities to earn their place. On the other hand, Araujo, no matter how much of a captain he is, must raise his level if he does not want to spend several weeks on the bench again in the 25/26 season.