Pau Cubarsi reveals the key to Barcelona’s offside trap under Hansi Flick”
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has opened up about the intricacies behind the team’s offside trap, a defining feature under the guidance of new head coach Hansi Flick. Known for pushing the boundaries tactically, Flick has implemented an extremely high defensive line this season—a strategy many critics initially considered “risky.” Yet, the results have proven otherwise, with Barcelona finding success in key matches against formidable opponents like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. The high line has managed to stymie opponents’ attacks while showcasing a disciplined defensive structure that has become a trademark of Flick’s Barcelona.
Cubarsi emphasized that this tactical approach hinges on one fundamental element: communication. According to the young defender, the players have invested substantial time in training sessions, fine-tuning the coordination required to make this offside trap effective. He explained that while the concept of an organized defensive line isn’t new, the level of synchronization and mutual trust needed for Flick’s high line demands constant practice. “Tactically, we train the defensive line, but above all, it’s a matter of communication,” Cubarsi shared during an interview with RAC1. “It’s about making sure all four defenders are in sync. If one player steps forward, the rest have to instinctively follow the line. This unity is what allows us to catch opponents offside consistently.”
While the high line may seem vulnerable, especially to quick counterattacks, Cubarsi noted that he and his teammates rely heavily on their trust in the system and one another. Reflecting on the moments when he watches from the sidelines, he admitted that even he occasionally feels nervous about the potential for a well-timed ball to catch them out. “When I see it from the outside, I sometimes think, ‘a ball behind us could hurt us,’” he explained. “But on the pitch, you learn to trust both the line and your teammates. If everyone is in tune, we know they’ll be offside, and that confidence is key.”
A key element that enhances the effectiveness of Barcelona’s high line is their acute awareness of the playmaker’s position on the field. Cubarsi highlighted the importance of adjusting their defensive approach depending on the player who’s controlling the ball. He explained that a pass from an opposing center-back, positioned further away, poses a different threat than one from a midfielder in closer proximity. This insight has enabled Barcelona’s defenders to make split-second adjustments that reinforce the offside trap’s reliability. “If a center-back hasthe ball, it’s less likely they’ll thread a pass behind us from that distance. But if it’s a midfielder, we’re more cautious,” he stated. The team is also mindful of whether the opposition has a clear, unpressured shot at passing the ball over the defensive line. In moments when Barcelona’s midfield applies pressure to the ball carrier, the backline feels more confident pushing forward, knowing that a precise long ball is less likely to succeed.
Cubarsi and his fellow defenders’ commitment to Flick’s vision has brought remarkable results. Barcelona has managed to catch opponents offside 92 times already this season, an impressive statistic that underscores the success of their well-orchestrated strategy. With each game, the players’ understanding of the system deepens, allowing them to refine and adapt their approach, making it even more challenging for opponents to break down their defense. This high line has, in effect, become a calculated gamble that opponents struggle to beat.
As Barcelona prepares to face Espanyol in their next La Liga match, Cubarsi and his teammates are expected to continue with the high defensive line, likely catching even more opponents offside. The team’s success with this tactic under Flick reflects not only the skill and adaptability of the players but also the tactical acumen of a coach unafraid to make bold decisions that redefine the boundaries of traditional defensive play.