Story thread · 5 reports / 3 sources

Hansi Flick faces backlash after Barcelona’s preseason friendly vs. Preston North End is called off due to player shortage

worldsoccertalk.com · 9dShare

Due to lack of first-team players, the friendly between FC Barcelona and Preston North End has been called off, in a sudden setback for head coach Hansi Flick and his preseason preparations. Hansi Flick is back at the helm for FC Barcelona ‘s preseason following a recent contract extension with the Spanish giant. However, the German manager’s preparations in England hit an unexpected snag when a scheduled friendly against Preston North End was abruptly canceled due to a player shortage on the opposition’s side . During their camp in the British Isles, Barcelona planned two exhibition matches, starting with Friday’s fixture against Birmingham City and concluding with a Monday matchup against Preston North End. While the opener resulted in a 2-2 draw (followed by a 3-2 loss in a penalty shootout), Monday’s game against the Lilywhites was officially scrapped. Preston North End, originally set to face Barcelona on Monday, Aug. 3, contacted the Spanish club to disclose that they lacked enou

First report: Preston cancel friendly against Barça over lack of players — sports.yahoo.com, 9d