Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is reevaluating his squad options after a series of underwhelming performances from one of his players, signaling a potential shift in the team’s lineup as they navigate a challenging season.
Despite a spirited 3-1 comeback victory against Real Oviedo, with second-half goals from Robert Lewandowski, Eric Garcia, and Ronald Araujo, Flick’s satisfaction was tempered by injury setbacks and one player’s inability to meet expectations.
With critical matches looming, including a Champions League clash against PSG, Flick’s decision to reduce this player’s role could reshape Barcelona’s midfield dynamics.
The player in question is Marc Casado, the 22-year-old midfielder who started his third game of the season against Oviedo but was substituted at halftime for the second time, as reported by Diario Sport.
Flick, unimpressed with Casado’s contribution on the ball, felt the team lacked the necessary tempo in possession, despite the midfielder’s sharpness in thwarting opposition counters.
This marks a continuation of Flick’s dissatisfaction, as Casado was also hooked at halftime in a previous match and failed to impress in a 6-0 win over Valencia.
The German manager’s lack of confidence in Casado during pivotal moments has led to a decision to scale back his minutes, impacting the young midfielder’s standing in the squad.
This development solidifies Frenkie de Jong’s position alongside Pedri as the preferred midfield pairing, quashing any lingering debate from last season when Casado was narrowly overlooked in favor of de Jong.
Meanwhile, the club is pinning hopes on Marc Bernal, who is gradually returning to fitness after a long injury layoff.
Marc Bernal, who ranked above Casado in the pecking order last season, is expected to see increased game time by November, potentially at Casado’s expense.
With Barcelona already grappling with injuries to Raphinha and Joan Garcia, Flick’s squad management will be tested as he balances youth development with the demands of a competitive campaign.
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