"Seated for the feast", "Might just be back" - Fans react as 2 young Barcelona stars start in Gamper trophy clash against Monaco
Fans shared their opinions as two of Barcelona's young talents, Marc Bernal and Marc Casadó, were named in the starting XI for the Joan Gamper Trophy final clash against Monaco. The match is slated for August 12 at Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.
The annual association football exhibition match is hosted by the Catalan club before the beginning of the La Liga season in honor of Joan Gamper, a founding member, player, and later president of the club.
The Blaugrana's starting line-up against Monaco also included Marc-André ter Stegen, Jules Koundé, Iñigo Martínez, Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde, Pablo Torre, Pau Víctor, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha.
Fans took to social media and flooded with posts sharing their thoughts about Barcelona's lineup for the Joan Gamper Trophy final. Here are some of the reactions on X:
One fan wrote:
"Casado bernal pau victor torre balde We’re seated for the feast 🔥"
Another added:
"A Bernal-Casado pivot We might just be back..."
"Won't lie: That Casado-Bernal midfield is where our eyes will be tonight," chimed in another fan.
One account posted:
"Bernal-Casado will be the most important keys to our season. They will be essential pieces to the high pressing Hansi Ball. They have been the centerpieces to every preseason game so far."
Another tweeted:
"Looking forward to see Casado-Bernal in action again. The one thing I really hope works out this season. Crucial on improving our defense and midfield."
"It's very obvious that bernal brings out the best in casado. Casado cannot play as a lone pivot, he can only thrive in a double pivot," posted another.
One user wrote:
"I really like this! Bernal-Casado pivot, Pau Victor deservedly retains his spot in the XI, and it’s really nice to see Pablo Torre getting some much deserved recognition after his preseason. A great balance of youth and experience, too."
While another wrote:
"Looks like the XI that will start in the first LaLiga match as well."
Barcelona are pitted against Valencia in their first La Liga match of the 2024-25 season on August 17 at Mestalla Stadium.
New Barcelona coach Hansi Flick addresses fans for the first time
Hansi Flick, who was appointed as the new Barcelona head coach in March, has addressed the fans for the first time at the Blaugrana's home ground, before their clash against Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy final. The German manager signed a two-year contract with the Catalan side valid until June 30, 2026.
Flick replaced former manager and club legend Xavi, who was unexpectedly sacked a week before the appointment. The former Bayern Munich midfielder addressed Barcelona fans and said (via @BarcaTimes on X):
"Good afternoon Culés. I’m very happy to be here. The players and all the staff, we’re working hard and hope that we achieve all our goals. With your support, we are much stronger. Visca Barça."
Hansi Flick was in charge of Bundesliga club Bayern Munich from 2019 to 2021, following which he was the head coach for the German national team till 2023.