Flick explains benching of Lewandowski, Raphinha and Pedri

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick surprised some by leaving Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Pedri on the bench for the trip to Athletic Club, instead handing primary goal-scoring duties to Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford as the title race and a heavy fixture list loom.

The selection reflects the physical toll after a gruelling week that included a high-intensity battle with Atletico Madrid and a 3-0 Copa del Rey semi-final second-leg victory that still ended in a 4-3 aggregate exit. With a crucial European tie against Newcastle United approaching, Flick said he is prioritising the squad’s long-term fitness.

Explaining his rotation before the Bilbao kick-off, Flick stressed the need to balance present demands and future fitness: "You have to manage minutes and look at the past, but also the future. You have to give everyone opportunities." With Pedri rested he turned to Marc Casado and Marc Bernal, noting: "Marc Bernal is coming back from a long injury.

Spain, Bilbao

hansi flick, barcelona, robert lewandowski, raphinha, pedri, lamine yamal, marcus rashford, athletic club, newcastle united, squad rotation