On the eve of Barcelona’s La Liga showdown with Valencia, manager Hansi Flick introduced a fresh face to the first-team training session, signaling his intent to explore new talent within the club’s ranks.
The La Liga champions, navigating a demanding schedule and injury concerns, welcomed the newcomer to train alongside their star-studded squad, offering a glimpse of potential depth for the season ahead.
The session, held on Saturday, was marked by notable absences but also highlighted Flick’s willingness to integrate emerging players into the senior setup as Barcelona prepares for a crucial domestic fixture.
The new addition to the training group was Emilio Bernad, a 25-year-old goalkeeper recently signed by Barcelona as a free agent, as reported by Jijantes.
A product of Valencia’s youth system, Bernad previously played for Racing Ferrol in Spain’s second tier before becoming available this summer.
The Catalan club swiftly secured his services earlier this month, with the expectation that he will primarily feature for Barça Atlètic.
However, Bernad seized a rare opportunity to train with the first team’s goalkeeping unit, showcasing his abilities alongside established stars.
The training session was notable not only for Bernad’s inclusion but also for the absence of key winger Lamine Yamal, who is sidelined due to injury.
Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong was present, continuing his recovery from a minor setback as he aims to return for upcoming matches, including the UEFA Champions League clash against Newcastle United.
Bernad’s call-up reflects Flick’s strategy of evaluating all available options, particularly with injuries testing the squad’s depth.
While Bernad is unlikely to feature immediately in the first team, his involvement underscores Barcelona’s commitment to nurturing talent across their ranks.
As Barcelona gears up to face Valencia, Hansi Flick decides to highlight the club’s blend of youth and experience.
With the goalkeeper gaining valuable exposure, fans will be eager to see how he progresses and whether he can carve out a role in the Blaugrana’s future plans.
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