Thierry Henry warns about Barcelona's vulnerability in the Champions League

Ex-striker Thierry Henry alerts Hansi Flick that Barcelona will remain vulnerable in the Champions League if they persist with a high defensive line. His warning underlines the danger of this approach in major games.

Barcelona recently suffered a disappointing loss in the Champions League after Goncalo Ramos scored the decisive goal in the final moments. The match once again revealed the weaknesses of the high defensive line employed by Hansi Flick, and former striker Thierry Henry did not hesitate to voice his concerns. According to Henry, Flick’s tactic could put Barcelona at a disadvantage against Europe’s top teams.

“You can’t play in the Champions League with such a high defensive line. Sorry. When you face quality teams, you will be exploited immediately. And that’s exactly what happened,” Henry said on CBS Sports. He emphasized that every timely counterattack from opponents can lead to chances, and sticking rigidly to this tactic could cost Barcelona dearly in important matches.

Since taking charge of Barcelona, Hansi Flick has implemented a high defensive line to maintain constant pressure on opponents and control the game. However, in the Champions League, individual mistakes and the gaps left behind the high line are frequently exploited by strong teams. Henry notes that even if a coach can be stubborn at times, changing tactics in big games is necessary to protect the team’s results.

The recent defeat has put Barcelona under significant pressure in the race to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages this season. With a congested schedule and tough opponents, Flick will need to reconsider his defensive strategy if he wants to avoid conceding unnecessary goals. Henry’s advice is not just a warning but also a reminder of the pragmatism required in European competition, where small errors can determine an entire season.

Barcelona fans are waiting for Flick to make appropriate adjustments to safeguard their ambitions of progressing deep into the Champions League. The upcoming matches will offer the German coach a chance to prove that the Catalan team can be not only aesthetically pleasing but also effective enough to compete with Europe’s elite. While the high defensive line carries risks, it also challenges Barcelona to demonstrate their resilience on the continent’s biggest stage.