"We Don't Play So High Anymore": Robert Lewandowski Details Hansi Flick’s Tactical Evolution at Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski reveals why Hansi Flick has lowered Barcelona's defensive line, moving away from the ultra-high press to find a tactical balance.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 25, 2026, 7:11 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Barca Blaugranes

Adjusting the Defensive Blueprint

In a recent interview, Robert Lewandowski explained that Hansi Flick has modified Barcelona's tactical setup to better manage the physical demands of a long season. While the early stages of Flick's tenure were marked by an aggressively high defensive line that squeezed opponents in their own half, Lewandowski noted that the team has recently dropped its positioning. This tactical "tweak" is designed to reduce the space behind the defenders, making the team less vulnerable to quick counter-attacks from pacey opponents.

Balancing Risk and Reward

The high-risk, high-reward nature of Barcelona's early-season press was a hallmark of "Flickball," but Lewandowski suggests the manager is now prioritizing a more pragmatic mid-block in certain game phases. By not playing "so high" all the time, Barcelona can conserve energy and maintain a more compact shape. According to Lewandowski, this change hasn't dulled their attacking edge; instead, it allows the team to be more controlled in possession and more disciplined when the ball is lost.

Lewandowski’s Role in the New System

Despite these defensive adjustments, Lewandowski continues to thrive as the focal point of the attack. He noted that the team's ability to transition quickly remains their greatest strength. Flick’s system still encourages the forwards to press, but the "triggers" for that press are now more selective. The Polish international emphasized that the current squad feels more comfortable with these adjustments, as it provides them with more security at the back while still allowing the front three to exploit space in the final third.