Flick tests Koundé, Raphinha and Fariñas in new positions

Hansi Flick has one final examination before La Liga kicks off. During Wednesday's training session, the German coach took the chance to test three players in unaccustomed positions, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Tactical experiments in training

The main novelty will be the arrival of Rodri, announced on Tuesday afternoon, who joins a squad that has gradually been recovering its internationals while academy players return to their respective teams. In the training match, Flick deployed Koundé as centre-back—his original position—an option that has gained more traction following Ronald Araújo's departure. Fariñas was tested as right-back alongside the French defender, a role the academy prospect has not played for Barcelona B. Meanwhile, Raphinha once again took the centre-forward role, just as he did in the friendly against Basel.

Defensive adjustments

Flick's staff continues to view Eric García as the first choice for right-back, while Xavi Espart, another versatile academy player, has also featured in rotation at centre-midfield. These adjustments come as Barcelona wraps up its pre-season with the Trofeu Joan Gamper against Al Ahly on Wednesday, with an eleven expected to be similar to the one that will debut in La Liga against Elche.