Flick Chooses Olmo as False Nine for Barcelona in Istanbul

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick changed his attacking setup for the UEFA Champions League match against Galatasaray by starting Dani Olmo as a false nine on October 13, 2026. Flick explained the decision before the game, citing the need to handle Galatasaray's pressure and manage player workloads.

According to sports.yahoo.com, Flick left Gabriel Jesus on the bench and selected Olmo in an attack that also included Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon. The same report listed Pedri, Fermin Lopez and Rodri in midfield, with Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo in defense.

Flick said Barcelona expected Galatasaray to apply pressure and wanted his team to maintain control through possession.

"From all the games we have looked at before, we know that they are going to put pressure on us; we have to control them with the ball," said Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona. "That's why I've put Dani as a '9', he can also control the ball, that's what it's all about. We also have to manage the load of minutes, since the next game is on Saturday; it must be managed."

The Barcelona manager also addressed the team's Champions League form before the match. According to sports.yahoo.com, Flick highlighted Barcelona's strong start to the season and said the club's focus remained on winning trophies.

"In the Champions League you don't rest, that's how it is, we have to continue. For me and all the players it is very important to play in the Champions League. In the last 19 years, we haven't started a season like this. It is about having confidence," said Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona.

"It's not just about making history, that's great, but the important thing is to win titles," said Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona.

According to sporx.com, Galatasaray entered the match with a long scoring run in European competitions, having recorded at least one goal in each of its previous 40 European matches. During that span, Galatasaray scored 69 goals and conceded 75, with 15 wins, 16 losses and nine draws.

Sporx.com reported the match was Galatasaray's 31st Champions League home game at RAMS Park. The venue record in the competition stood at 10 wins, 10 draws and 10 losses before the Barcelona fixture.

According to sporx.com, Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk was preparing for his 40th European match in charge of the club. His team had recorded 15 wins, nine draws and 15 losses across his previous European appearances, scoring 68 goals and conceding 73.

Sporx.com also reported that Galatasaray had faced Barcelona 10 times in European competitions before this match, with one win, three draws and six defeats. The Turkish club's only victory came in a 2-1 Champions League group-stage win on November 23, 1994.