Barcelona are preparing to face Valencia in the fourth round of La Liga, with Hansi Flick reportedly planning to rotate his side for Sunday’s away match.
According to Sport, the Barcelona manager wants to give several key players a rest before the club begins its new Champions League campaign against Feyenoord. That opening European fixture is scheduled for Wednesday, 9 September, meaning Flick is considering changes to his team before the continental competition takes priority.
The match at Valencia will kick off at 17:15 Moscow time on Sunday. It will be Barcelona’s first away fixture in the current La Liga campaign and another opportunity for the reigning Spanish champions to continue their perfect start to the season.
Barcelona have taken nine points from their opening three league matches. Their results have placed them at the maximum available total at this stage of the competition, and the trip to Valencia will be their fourth league outing of the campaign.
Flick’s reported intention to rotate the squad does not mean that Barcelona’s approach to the match has been confirmed. Sport’s information indicates that the German coach is considering resting some of his most important players, with the forthcoming meeting with Feyenoord in mind.
The timing of the two fixtures is central to the decision. Barcelona must first complete their league assignment at Valencia before turning their attention to their Champions League opener, which will take place on Wednesday, 9 September. The European fixture will mark the beginning of the new campaign in that competition for Flick’s side.
Barcelona therefore face two matches in quick succession, beginning with Sunday’s visit to Valencia. The Catalan club enter the weekend as the current La Liga champions and with a record of three wins from three matches. Any changes made by Flick would come against the backdrop of that flawless start and the need to prepare for the first European test of the season.
The report suggests the manager is weighing squad management rather than abandoning the team’s strong league momentum. Resting selected key figures could allow them to approach the Feyenoord match in better condition, while the Valencia fixture remains the immediate task for the champions.
For now, the main question is how extensively Flick will alter his starting line-up. Barcelona’s league record gives the coach room to consider rotation, but Sunday’s match remains the next fixture on the schedule before attention shifts to Feyenoord and the Champions League.