Hansi Flick facing Barcelona dressing room revolt as players fume over lack of minutes
Hansi Flick facing Barcelona dressing room revolt as players fume over lack of minutes
- Barcelona secured dramatic 4-3 win over Celta Vigo on Saturday
- Victory moved Flick’s side one step closer to La Liga titles
- Three players showed frustrations over limited minutes
By Tom Gott | 12:00 PM GMT+1
Despite moving one step closer to the La Liga title with a 4-3 win over Celta Vigo on Saturday, Hansi Flick faces growing unrest in the Barcelona dressing room as three players reportedly failed to hide their frustrations towards their lack of minutes.
The Blaugrana were 3-1 down on the hour mark but a goal from Dani Olmo and a double from Raphinha, who netted a 98th-minute penalty, kept them sitting pretty atop the La Liga standings.
It was a massive result in the title race, but several outlets report that Flick’s decisions during the game did not sit well with a handful of members of the squad.
Mundo Deportivo begin by highlighting the frustrations of Ansu Fati. The young winger, who was recently offered a lifeline by Flick after spending most of the season on the sidelines, warmed up on the sidelines before being sent back to the bench.
As he returned to his seat, Fati kicked the drinks cooler, threw his bib on the ground in frustration and kicked another item, visibly fuming after being denied what would have been just his tenth appearance of the season across all competitions.
On the hour mark, shortly before Celta Vigo’s third goal, SPORT note Ferran Torres was angered by his removal from the pitch. The forward, like Fati, kicked a water bottle and did not acknowledge Flick as he passed him on the sidelines.
Things did not end there for Flick as, after the final whistle, young right-back Hector Fort also cut a frustrated figure. The 18-year-old, whose 14 appearances total just 408 minutes this season, declined to shake his manager’s hand and then received a stern word in his ear from the boss.
Of the trio, it is Ferran’s reaction will be of most concern for Flick. He has been a regular in the squad, making 40 appearances across all competitions, but has only started 14 games and has instead been forced to accept coming off the bench. Despite his limited role, Ferran’s return of 17 goals is behind only star striker Robert Lewandowski and Ballon d’Or contender Raphinha.
Barcelona are expected to hold contract talks with Ferran, who has been linked to Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester United, but convincing the 25-year-old to sign may not be simple.
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