Flick demands sharper Barcelona defending as Kounde and Olmo miss El Clasico

Hansi Flick says Barcelona must improve their defence at set pieces when they face a confident Real Madrid side in Sunday’s La Liga El Clasico.

The Barcelona manager acknowledged that set pieces are one of Real Madrid’s main strengths and said his team had worked on dealing with them in training.

“Set pieces are one of Real Madrid’s strengths and they are one of the best teams in this area,” Flick said at his pre-match news conference.

“We spoke about it today and worked on our preparations. We have to defend better than we did in Paris.”

Flick expects Real Madrid to approach the 10th-round fixture with confidence, highlighting the quality within Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

“I expect to face a team in the Clasico that has a great deal of confidence, because ultimately we are talking about a great club with outstanding players and a great manager,” he said.

“That is my view of the opponent. They have a great deal of quality, especially in the forward line, and they have performed well in their recent matches.”

Barcelona will be without Kounde, with Flick confirming the defender will not be risked against their rivals.

“Kounde will not play tomorrow and we do not want to take a risk with him. We have to accept that,” Flick said.

The Catalan club will also be missing Olmo, who had been in excellent form and was fully fit before suffering his latest setback.

“Olmo was going through a very good period and was 100% ready. But he was unlucky,” Flick said.

“We have to accept the situation. He will miss many matches, and this situation is not easy for him. But we also have Fermin.”

Flick’s side will therefore have to cope without two players as they prepare to meet Real Madrid in one of the defining fixtures of the season.