Flick’s plans for Barcelona vs Real Madrid to remain unchanged despite Mbappe return

Barcelona now know exactly what they are up against on Sunday. 

Real Madrid, their opponents in the Spanish Super Cup final, have received a significant boost with confirmation that Kylian Mbappe will be available after missing the semi-final. 

The French forward’s return naturally raises the stakes, but inside the Barça camp, the reaction has been received without any issue.

According to a report from SPORT, Mbappe’s availability will not force Hansi Flick into changing his tactical plan. 

The manager is convinced that preparation, structure, and confidence in his players matter more than reacting to individual names, no matter how big they are.

Barcelona have the momentum

There is a growing belief around Barcelona that the team heads into the final in a stronger moment than Real Madrid, as performances and collective balance all point in Barça’s favour. 

However, Flick has been careful to ensure that this confidence does not turn into complacency. 

Flick will not change his plan due to Mbappe. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The message inside the dressing room is one of calm and realism. In a one-off final, anything can happen, as Real Madrid have quality across the pitch and players capable of deciding a match on their own.

Even so, the likely presence of Mbappe in the starting XI is not expected to alter Flick’s approach. 

The plan, in principle, is to trust the same system and structure that has brought Barcelona this far. The only anticipated change is Lamine Yamal coming in for Roony Bardghji. 

At the back, Flick is expected to stick with the Eric Garcia–Pau Cubarsi partnership at centre-back, flanked by Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde on the wings. 

While the personnel will remain the same, the preparation will naturally focus on Mbappe’s specific profile. 

Unlike a more traditional striker such as Gonzalo Garcia, the Frenchman thrives when attacking space and exploiting quick transitions. 

This means Barcelona will need to be precise with their positioning, aggressive when pressing, and extremely alert when holding a high line.