Hansi Flick demands aggressive defending to stop Mbappé as Barcelona prepare for El Clásico

Flick targets defensive solidity against Real Madrid

Hansi Flick spoke about the importance of a strong defensive performance as Barcelona get ready for the first El Clásico of the season against Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday.

Hansi Flick on the touchline ahead of El Clasico

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, the coach spoke about the threat of Kylian Mbappé and how Barça’s two centre-backs, Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín, will need to be strong and aggressive to stop the French striker.

"The important thing is to position yourself well with the ball and without the ball. Pressure on the player with the ball, advanced defense. And I think Cubarsí and Gerard are playing very well. What they are doing is incredible, they talk, they play, they are growing together," Flick said.

Set-piece warning after PSG defeat

Flick also talked about doing a better job defending set pieces given Madrid’s aerial threat and the fact Barça conceded a goal from a corner in the defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek.

"We know Real Madrid’s strengths, and they’re among the best at set pieces. They’re also physically strong. We have to defend better than we did in Paris. We discussed it today," the Barcelona coach added.

Barça’s attack will have chances against what has been a vulnerable Madrid defence this season, but Flick stressed the need to be really good at the back to get the edge in the fixture.