A trap for forwards. Hansi Flick explains how his high defensive line works at Barcelona

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick took the opportunity at the post-match press conference following the clash with Athletic Bilbao to set the record straight about his most talked-about tactical hallmark: the extremely high defensive line.

Details: Despite constant criticism and the ever-present risk of getting caught out on the break, the German specialist insists the success of this system depends not on the defenders’ positioning, but on the collective attacking work of the entire team.

"People keep saying: 'high line, high line!' But that’s not the real point," Flick declared passionately.

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According to the coach, it doesn’t matter how high his players push up or who starts in the back line. The key factor for this scheme’s survival is the intensity of pressing in the opposition’s half.

Flick emphasized that the high defensive line is merely a consequence of aggressive pressure on the ball carrier:

The only thing that matters is how we press. If we do it well, the high line works. If there’s no pressing, it’s far too easy to chip the ball in behind us."

This philosophy continues to pay dividends for the Blaugrana. At the moment, they sit atop La Liga.

Reminder: Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal scored his 50th career goal several years ahead of Messi and Ronaldo.