Hansi Flick Explains Why Pau Cubarsí Was Benched for Barcelona's 3-0 Win Over Getafe
Barcelona cruise past Getafe but Cubarsí watches from the bench
Barcelona returned from the international break in comfortable fashion on Saturday evening, hosting Getafe at home and running out 3-0 winners in their latest LaLiga outing. Yet the talking point after the final whistle was not the scoreline but the sight of Pau Cubarsí — widely regarded as one of the first names on the team sheet — watching the entire match from the substitutes' bench.
Hansi Flick's backline underwent a significant shake-up for the clash. Jules Koundé stepped into a starting role, which in turn pushed Eric García into a central position alongside Gerard Martín. That reshuffle left no room for Cubarsí, who was forced to look on as his side secured a routine three points.
Flick: 'It was important that he rested today'
Speaking to the media after the match, the German tactician was drawn on the situation in his defence and offered a straightforward explanation — one built around workload management rather than any loss of form or injury concern.
"Both Eric and Jules wanted to play as centre-backs today. In the end, we decided on Eric. Cubarsí had played in many matches, although he's a young player who could play in every single game; for us it was important that he rested today."
Flick's comments underline the balancing act facing Barcelona as the season intensifies. Cubarsí has become a cornerstone of the side despite his youth, and the coaching staff appear keen to protect him from the physical toll of an unrelenting fixture list.
A defensive rotation in focus
The decision also spotlights the depth Flick now has at his disposal in central defence. The debate over who best partners Cubarsí at the heart of the backline has been a recurring theme in Barcelona's early-season discussions, with options such as Eric García, Gerard Martín and others all offering different qualities to the rotation.
On this occasion, it was Eric García who got the nod alongside Gerard Martín, with Koundé returning to the starting line-up. The result vindicated the call: a clean sheet and a convincing three-goal victory in front of the home support.
With the win secured and no injury cloud over Cubarsí, Barcelona's focus will now shift to the matches ahead — where the young defender is expected to return to the heart of a defence that Flick continues to fine-tune.