Flick focuses on specific area in Barcelona training to avoid mistakes from Inter Milan clash | OneFootball

According to journalist Carlos Monfort, Barcelona dedicated a large part of their training session today to defending set pieces, as Hansi Flick looks to correct one of the few recurring flaws in his team’s otherwise disciplined setup.

The emphasis comes ahead of the crucial second leg against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-finals, with the tie delicately poised after a 3-3 draw in the first leg.

Statistically, Barcelona have been one of La Liga’s best sides at defending set plays this season, conceding just three goals from such situations, the lowest in the league.

However, the numbers do not tell the full story. In recent high-stakes matches, particularly in Europe and cup competitions, Barcelona have been repeatedly punished from corners and free-kicks.

They conceded from set pieces in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid and once also looked vulnerable against Borussia Dortmund in earlier Champions League rounds.

Inter also took advantage

Barcelona need to work on defending set-pieces. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The warning signs were ignored against Inter. In the 3-3 thriller, two of Inter’s three goals came directly from corners.

The Italian side had already shown their aerial threat by scoring two goals from corners to eliminate Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

Flick, never one to hide from tactical flaws, addressed the issue directly in the press conference ahead of the Valladolid match. “I think we can defend much better,” he began saying.

“It’s not just the height, it’s how you block, how you take responsibility in defence… but of course, we were hurt a lot by Inter’s set-pieces. Bayern also conceded. Inter also have a great shooter, maybe one of the best.”

Clearly, this is not just a minor adjustment, it is a critical area that could define whether Barcelona progress to the Champions League final.

With Barcelona chasing an ambitious treble, any weakness could prove costly. Inter’s efficiency from dead-ball situations makes them particularly dangerous, and Flick’s proactive response signals that Barcelona won’t be caught off guard again.