"Gives me total confidence since day one" - Barcelona star credits new manager Hansi Flick
Barcelona youngster Marc Casado has praised manager Hansi Flick for the role he has played in his first-team career at the club. The midfielder has been one of the revelations of the season for La Blaugrana, establishing himself as a regular with the first team.
Hansi Flick arrived at Barcelona in the summer after a disappointing trophyless 2023-24 season under the management of club legend Xavi. The former Bayern Munich manager immediately turned to some of the club's academy stars to fill up roles in the squad for pre-season.
Barcelona had a Sergio Busquets-sized hole in their midfield, and the signing of Oriol Romeu from Girona had been a disaster in the 2023-24 season. He made 39 appearances for the club before moving to Girona in the summer. Up stepped Marc Casado from La Masia to fill the role, with Flick immediately trusting the youngster. The midfielder has revealed that the manager has given him the confidence required to thrive at this level.
“Hansi Flick gives me total confidence since day one… and that's why I give 100% for him, for Barça. The club told me immediately that Flick trusts me," Casado said (via Fabrizio Romano).
Hansi Flick has not shied away from leaning on the club's academy, as a number of his predecessors have, over the years. The German manager has made the likes of Casado, Marc Bernal, Sergi Dominguez, and Gerard Martin regulars, while also promoting Pau Victor.
Casado has been an unsung hero for his boyhood club this season, appearing nine times in the league and UEFA Champions League. The 21-year-old was rewarded with his first invitation to Spain's U-21 team this month, as his profile continues to rise.
Barcelona star doubtful for Sevilla tie - Reports
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal is a doubt for his side's return to league action against Sevilla on October 20 after picking up a hamstring strain. The teenage sensation injured his left hamstring while on international duty with the Spain national team last week.
Yamal featured for nearly the entirety of Spain's game against Denmark before he was substituted with apparent discomfort in his left leg. The 17-year-old withdrew from the squad for their second game of the window against Serbia. He returned to Barcelona for assessment, after which his hamstring problem was confirmed.
La Blaugrana are hopeful of a return for the prodigy by the time they host Sevilla on Sunday in LaLiga. Hansi Flick will hope to have the winger, who has nine direct goal contributions in nine league games this season, on the bench, at least.