Barcelona thrilling 4-3 win over Celta Vigo may have been a spectacle to behold, but behind the dressing room, long-standing player discontent has spilled over into the open.
Diario Sport reports that some of the team’s stars, including Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati, and Héctor Fort, vented their frustration on the pitch, displaying signs of growing frustration at being handed peripheral roles by manager Hansi Flick.
The most publicized outburst came from Ansu Fati, who became more and more angry after warming up the entire second half without being brought into the game.
The upset young forward erupted when he kicked a refrigerator on the bench and tossed his bib to the ground in contempt.
Insiders close to Fati indicate that he feels he is being treated unfairly by Flick, further expanding their already contentious relationship.
Fort, who has played little this season, in turn refused congratulations from Flick after the game, going out of his way to avoid a hug from the coach.
Flick reacted with a curt but firm exchange, reiterating that the opportunities of the defender will continue to be in short supply.
Ferran Torres also vented his fury after being taken off despite scoring and playing well.
The Spanish striker ignored Flick as he left the field and then kicked a water bottle in rage.
His tantrum is a sign of a deeper issue in the team, as players get annoyed at Flick’s autocratic rotation policy.
As the season hits its stride, the Barcelona manager will have to tread carefully.
While his tactical expertise has been a blessing to the team on the pitch, maintaining a balance of egos and avoiding confrontation will be just as vital to Barcelona’s fate.
Unless these tensions are defused, they may drain the team’s morale at the moment when the team must come together most.
For the moment, all await to see how Flick manages this growing rift—and whether the fury of the players will boil over in the weeks to come.
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