Pau Cubarsi Discusses Barcelona’s Effective Offside Trap Under Hansi Flick

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has shed light on the team's impressive offside trap, which has become a standout feature of their play under new manager Hansi Flick. The Catalan side has adopted a notably high defensive line this season, a strategy that has drawn criticism for its inherent risks. However, this tactic has proven successful, particularly in crucial matches against formidable opponents like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Cubarsi emphasized the importance of communication among defenders as a key element of their offside trap. "Tactically, we train the defensive line, but above all, it is about communication," he explained during an interview with RAC1. "The four of us need to work together seamlessly. When one player steps up, the others must follow suit to maintain the line."

While he acknowledged the potential dangers of being caught out by a well-timed pass behind the defensive line, Cubarsi expressed confidence in the system when executed correctly. "When I see it from the outside, I think, ‘ugh, a ball behind our backs could hurt us,’ but on the pitch, you have to trust the line and your teammates. If we all work together, they’ll be offside."

Cubarsi also noted the nuances involved in the offside trap, particularly concerning the position of the ball and the player making the pass. "It’s not the same if the ball is played by a center-back, who is farther away, as opposed to a midfielder. We also pay attention to whether the ball is under pressure or not. If there’s pressure, it’s easier to push up because it’s harder to play it behind us."

So far this season, Barcelona has successfully caught opponents offside on 92 occasions. This number is expected to increase as they prepare to face Espanyol in their next match. The tactical evolution under Flick has not only solidified their defense but has also enhanced their overall gameplay, setting a formidable challenge for their rivals.