"Does Flick want to sabotage us?" - Barcelona fans question 24-year-old star's inclusion in starting XI for Alaves clash
Barcelona fans have questioned manager Hansi Flick's decision to include Ferran Torres in the starting lineup to face Deportivo Alaves in La Liga. The two sides are set to face off at the Mendizorroza later today (October 6) and Torres will be a part of the proceedings from the start.
The winger has not had the best start to life this season, struggling to make an impact so far. Despite playing seven league games, in which he scored a goal and provided two assists, Torres has failed to maintain strong form. All his goal contributions came from just two games, as he notably got a goal and an assist in the 7-0 win over Real Valladolid on August 31.
However, Torres has since struggled to find the net. Despite playing in their 5-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League on October 1, he missed a big chance and failed to get on the scoresheet.
Fans are not too pleased with Ferran Torres right now, and they cannot understand why he keeps getting a slot in the starting lineup. They have questioned Flick's decision to start him with posts like these:
"Ferran yet again. Does Flick want to sabotage us??" a fan asked.
"Ferran that’s crazy though," another fan admitted.
"FERRAN. TORRES. IS. STILL. STARTING..!!!" said an upset Barcelona fan.
"what ferran dey do to these coaches saf make he always dey play?" wrote another surprised fan.
"Ferran again what’s wrong with flick?" complained one fan.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick opts to leave out new signing from matchday squad
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has decided to leave out new signing Wojciech Szczesny from the matchday squad to face Deportivo Alaves. The Blaugrana notably just signed the former Juventus goalkeeper, bringing him out of retirement. This came after Barca's number one goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was knocked out of contention for the season after a serious patella tendon injury.
However, Szczesny is not ready to start games, as Hansi Flick revealed to the press (via GOAL):
"[Szczesny] is in very good shape, but unfortunately, he won’t travel to Vitoria because I think he needs more time to be with us and after the break, he’ll be ready and an option.
"For his experience, for his character and for his quality, having Szczesny is very good for the club. When I spoke to him, I thought he was a very friendly person, he said that he would contribute in any way he could to the team and I was impressed. He will contribute a lot of things."
Flick has decided to go with Inaki Pena in goal while Ander Astralaga and Aron Yaakobishvili are options from the Barcelona bench.