Barcelona are set to face Real Madrid in the season’s first El Clasico, as they look to take an early nine-point lead at the top of the table.
The Catalan club have been perfect so far in the La Liga but suffered their first defeat of the season to PSG at Parc des Princes earlier this week.
Barça’s defensive line is under constant scrutiny in such big games because of how high it is.
Now, teenage defender Pau Cubarsi has defended the philosophy, insisting that collective pressing and trust between team-mates make the approach successful.
Cubarsi explains the secret behind Barcelona’s high defensive line
During an interview with DAZN, the young centre-back discussed Barcelona’s defensive philosophy and the challenges of making the idea work.
“The high defensive line is the philosophy the coach has given us from the beginning, and we have to commit to it completely,” Cubarsi explained (h/tMundo Deportivo).
The defender stressed that Barcelona’s forwards have an equally important responsibility in making the system effective.
“Up front, we have to press like animals so that the opponents aren’t comfortable. If we have clear ideas and follow this philosophy, we can achieve great things.”
Barcelona’s defensive line needs to get it perfect against Real Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Cubarsi also admitted that playing so far from goal creates demanding situations for defenders who are often caught in one-on-one foot races.
“For a defender, it’s special, a little complicated in certain situations,” he acknowledged.
However, the La Masia graduate believes communication and confidence between team-mates can overcome those challenges.
“By trusting the teammates beside you and having very clear ideas, as I’ve said, things work out well,” he concluded.
Barcelona’s pressing will be crucial in El Clasico
It is no secret that the key to the success of the high line under Hansi Flick is making the collective pressing system work.
More often than not, for Barcelona, especially this season, the press has been on point and has suffocated opponents.
When the forwards close down opponents effectively, rival players have less time to identify and exploit runs behind the defence.
However, when the pressure fails, Barcelona’s centre-backs can find themselves defending large spaces against dangerous attackers.
Barcelona need to be wary of Mbappe’s presence when Real Madrid come on Sunday. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
That balance will be particularly important against Real Madrid, whose pace and movement could punish any breakdown in Barcelona’s organisation.
Los Blancos have pacy forwards like Kylian Mbappe and Yan Diomande who would love the chance to run at Cubarsi and Gerard Martin.
Barcelona’s entire game plan should be built around ensuring that the team don’t find themselves in such situations on Sunday. They need to do this while also managing defensive injuries.
Cubarsi was also asked about the possibility of Lamine Yamal winning the Ballon d’Or and himself receiving the Kopa Trophy.
“That wouldn’t be bad, but right now I’m not thinking about that. I’m thinking about Sunday’s match. If something good comes afterwards, I’ll be grateful,” he said.
His response reflects that Barça‘s complete focus is on ensuring they get the three points against Los Blancos.
It remains to be seen whether Hansi Flick’s men can extend their lead at the top to nine points before travelling to London for the ceremony.