According to a report by Barca Universal on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has explained how the team can make Hansi Flick’s high defensive line effective ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid.

Barcelona are preparing for a crucial meeting with their rivals, with a victory potentially allowing them to extend their lead at the top of La Liga to nine points.

Under Flick, the Catalan side have impressed with their aggressive pressing approach, although their high defensive line has attracted criticism because it leaves considerable space behind the defence.

However, Cubarsi believes the system can deliver positive results if the entire team fully embraces the manager’s philosophy and works together to defend.

“The high defensive line is the philosophy the coach has given us from the beginning, and we have to commit to it completely,” the teenage centre-back said in an interview with DAZN, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

The young defender also emphasised that Barcelona’s attacking players must play an important role in making the approach successful by applying pressure high up the pitch.

“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,” Cubarsi explained.

His comments underline the importance of Barcelona’s collective pressing system, which aims to restrict opponents’ time and space on the ball. By closing down opposition players quickly, the forwards can make it more difficult for them to deliver passes behind the defensive line.

However, when opponents manage to break through the press, Barcelona’s defenders can be exposed in open spaces, leaving them vulnerable to quick attacking moves.

This could prove particularly challenging against Real Madrid, who have several dangerous attacking players capable of taking advantage of defensive errors.

Kylian Mbappe’s pace and movement could pose a major threat if Barcelona fail to maintain their pressing intensity and defensive organisation throughout the match.

Cubarsi acknowledged the difficulties of defending so far from his own goal but stressed that communication and trust among teammates are crucial to making the system work.

The defender also made it clear that his priority is to help Barcelona defeat Real Madrid rather than focus on individual awards.

When asked about Lamine Yamal potentially winning the Ballon d’Or and his own chances of claiming the Kopa Trophy, Cubarsi said his attention was firmly on Sunday's encounter.

Barcelona will hope the young defender’s confidence in Flick’s tactical approach helps the team deliver a disciplined performance against their biggest rivals.