Barcelona coach Hansi Flick recently revealed that he had a conversation with Ilkay Gündogan regarding his current status at the club. Gündogan did not participate in the LaLiga opener against Valencia due to a precautionary measure after sustaining a head injury in a previous match. Despite rumors circulating in the local media claiming that Gündogan wants to leave the club before the transfer window closes, Flick remains confident that the player will stay. It was reported that the decision to leave Gündogan out of the squad was due to a cut on his head that caused some problems.
Flick emphasized that he spoke with Gündogan to understand how he is feeling and to discuss the situation. He expressed his appreciation for Gündogan not only as a player but also as a person. However, the details of their conversation were not disclosed to the public, as Flick stated that it was a private matter between them. Sources close to Gündogan reiterated that he intends to remain at Barcelona and missed the Valencia game due to headaches and dizziness experienced during training.
In the absence of Gündogan and other key players like Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Pedri, Flick fielded a young Barcelona side for the season opener. Players like Marc Bernal, Marc Casadó, Pau Cubarsí, and Lamine Yamal, who are all teenagers, were given the opportunity to showcase their talent. Flick defended his decision to play so many youngsters, citing their impressive performance during pre-season and their readiness to compete at the highest level.
Barcelona started slowly in Flick’s first game in charge, falling behind to Valencia before turning the game around. Flick acknowledged that his team made mistakes in the first half but improved significantly in the second half. With Robert Lewandowski scoring twice, including a decisive penalty, Barcelona secured a 2-1 victory over Valencia. Flick praised the young players from La Masia for their contribution and highlighted the importance of their quality in the squad.
Despite the challenges faced in the season opener, Flick remains optimistic about Barcelona’s prospects moving forward. He acknowledged that there are areas for improvement but stressed that it is only the beginning of the season. Flick expressed his satisfaction with the performance of the young players and emphasized the value they bring to the team. As Barcelona navigates through the season, Flick’s leadership and strategic decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s success.
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