Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has insisted he will not abandon the team’s high defensive line despite a difficult week that saw the Catalans suffer consecutive defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

Flick has consistently defended the high line throughout his tenure, even as critics point to the spaces it leaves behind against elite attacks.

Earlier this month, before the defeat to French champions PSG, he acknowledged the risks but stood by the approach.

“Playing with a high defensive line is always a risk, but the key is how we react and press when we lose possession, how we maintain distance between us. If we do that well, there’s a huge advantage."

Speaking ahead of the La Liga clash with Alaves, Flick remained firmly committed to his philosophy after the two high-profile losses interrupted an 11-game winning run.

“I am 100% convinced of our playing idea, which I believe is the best for this team. We will keep going like this until the end,” the German coach declared.

The coach also highlighted defensive absences as a contributing factor to recent problems, with Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Xavi Espart and Andreas Christensen all sidelined. Still, he refused to contemplate a tactical shift towards a deeper block.

The 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Clasico was a prime example of the issues with the highline, as was the case against PSG in the 4-2 reverse.

For Flick, the plan is simple, Barcelona will continue to play their aggressive, high-intensity style regardless of the results.