Three Major Issues Hansi Flick Must Solve at Barcelona After the International Break

Barcelona could hardly have imagined a better opening to the season.

Hansi Flick’s side have won all eight of their matches so far, entering the first international break with a perfect record and a six-point lead over Real Madrid.

The results have been impressive, but Barcelona’s performances have also highlighted something equally important: Flick now has considerably more depth than he did last season.

That is undoubtedly a positive. However, greater squad depth also creates a difficult problem for any manager — not everyone can play.

Several players who were previously important members of the team are now struggling for regular minutes. Flick must therefore find a way to keep them motivated while protecting his preferred starters from the demands of a long and congested season.

With club football about to resume, three situations in particular could become major talking points.

Jules Kounde Faces a Battle to Win Back His Starting Role

One of the biggest surprises has come at right-back, where Eric Garcia has moved ahead of Jules Kounde in Flick’s current plans.

Kounde has played just 261 minutes across Barcelona’s first eight matches, compared with 469 minutes for Garcia. Even more tellingly, the French defender has remained an unused substitute in each of the club’s last three games.

That would have been difficult to predict not long ago.

Kounde had established himself as one of Barcelona’s most reliable defensive players and was a regular under Flick during the previous campaign. However, his performances have not consistently reached the same level this season.

A few lapses in concentration have also made Garcia’s consistency increasingly valuable to Flick.

Kounde did receive a full 90 minutes for France against Türkiye during the international break, giving him an opportunity to build rhythm and confidence.

His chance at Barcelona could arrive sooner than expected. Andreas Christensen is currently dealing with an injury, while Garcia’s physical condition will also need to be monitored.

If an opening appears, Kounde will have to take it.

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Gavi and Alejandro Balde Have Also Fallen Down the Pecking Order

Gavi's situation is arguably even more complicated.

The midfielder has played only 81 minutes this season, with recurring injury problems disrupting his progress.

Competition for places in Barcelona’s midfield has also become extremely intense. The arrival of Rodri has added another elite option, while Pedri, Dani Olmo, Fermín López and other midfielders are also competing for opportunities.

Flick clearly values what Gavi brings to the team, particularly his intensity and ability to press, but appreciation alone does not guarantee regular starts.

The 21-year-old will therefore need to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.

Alejandro Balde faces a different problem.

The left-back has played just 12 minutes this season and was already the subject of uncertainty during the summer transfer window. Barcelona were open to the possibility of selling him, potentially using the proceeds to strengthen elsewhere.

Balde ultimately stayed and decided to fight for his place.

For now, however, competition from Xavi Espart and João Cancelo has pushed him further down the hierarchy. If that situation continues, Balde could find himself as Flick’s third-choice option at left-back.

That makes his response particularly important.

Barcelona have plenty of matches ahead, meaning opportunities will eventually arrive. Balde will need to convince Flick that he deserves to move back up the pecking order.

Frenkie de Jong's Return Could Create Another Major Selection Dilemma

Then there is Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutch midfielder has yet to feature this season after suffering an injury while on international duty. His absence has forced Barcelona to build momentum without one of their most experienced midfielders.

That makes his eventual return more complicated than simply adding another player to the squad.

De Jong remains one of Barcelona’s biggest names, but the midfield around him has changed significantly.

The arrival of Rodri has altered the competition for the central midfield positions, while De Jong has also lost the captaincy. Flick will therefore have to determine exactly where the Dutchman fits into the new hierarchy once he is fully fit.

The question is not whether De Jong can contribute. It is how Flick incorporates him without disrupting a midfield that has already developed considerable momentum.

That could become one of the most interesting selection decisions of the season.

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Flick's Biggest Challenge Is Managing His Own Squad Strength

Barcelona’s perfect start has created selection problems that simply did not exist to the same extent last season.

Kounde, Gavi, Balde and De Jong all have important roles they could potentially play, but Flick cannot give everyone regular minutes while maintaining the same starting XI every week.

At the same time, Barcelona will eventually need their entire squad.

The season will become increasingly demanding as La Liga, the Champions League and domestic competitions pile up. Injuries,