A Chelsea star, now thriving in the Premier League, has fired a sharp critique at Hansi Flick, stirring tensions ahead.
The matchup carries emotional weight for several players who cut their teeth at La Masia, Barcelona’s famed academy, before carving out new paths elsewhere.
For one young talent now donning Chelsea’s blue, the journey from Camp Nou to Stamford Bridge was marked by unfulfilled promises and a sense of being overlooked, sparking a candid reflection that resonates with fans and critics alike.
In an interview with TV3 (via Diario Sport), Marc Guiu, the 19-year-old former Barcelona striker, took a subtle jab at Hansi Flick, revealing his frustration over his 2024 exit.
“The only time I spoke to Hansi Flick was in the play-offs, and he told me to do well,” Guiu said, lamenting the lack of further communication.
“I would have liked the coach to call me, but he didn’t.” Despite a contract offer, Guiu felt squeezed out by Robert Lewandowski’s presence and Vitor Roque’s arrival, stating, “It was clear there was no place for me.” His departure followed seven first-team appearances, where he scored twice.
Guiu’s move to Chelsea has proven fruitful, with six goals in 17 senior matches, showcasing the potential Barcelona once nurtured.
His comments highlight a perceived disconnect with Flick, who inherited a crowded forward line but failed to engage the youngster beyond a single conversation.
Guiu, handed his debut by Xavi Hernandez, felt the club’s plans didn’t include him, pushing him to seek opportunities elsewhere.
This critique adds intrigue to the upcoming Barcelona-Chelsea clash, where Guiu and fellow La Masia graduate Marc Cucurella will face their former club.
The Champions League looms, Guiu’s words serve as a reminder: nurturing homegrown gems requires more than fleeting words of encouragement. Flick’s focus now is on proving doubters wrong, but Guiu’s subtle dig lingers as a challenge to his management.
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