Hansi Flick praises Barcelona’s rising stars, particularly a standout teenager, after a dominant 3-1 pre-season win over Vissel Kobe.
Barcelona kicked off their pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea with an impressive 3-1 victory over Vissel Kobe, showcasing a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents.
The match, dominated by new faces, highlighted the club’s commitment to nurturing its youth academy prospects.
Eric Garcia opened the scoring for last season’s La Liga champions, while two teenage debutants sealed the win with second-half goals.
Head coach Hansi Flick expressed satisfaction with the performance, noting the team’s strong start despite some lapses in control during the first half.
“The first 30 minutes were very good… the second half was fantastic,” Flick remarked, praising the warm reception in Japan and the quality of their opponents, as reported by AS.
Among the standout performers was Roony Bardghji, a teenage sensation whose goal underscored his potential.
Flick confirmed post-match that Bardghji is set to remain with the first team for the 2025-26 season, a significant step for the young forward.
Initially slated to split time between the senior squad and Barca Atletic, Bardghji’s performances in training and matches have convinced Flick to integrate him permanently.
“The plan is that Roony stays in the first team. It will depend on him,” Flick stated, emphasizing the player’s ability to prove himself alongside other prospects like Joan García and Marcus Rashford.
This decision reflects Barcelona’s strategy of blending La Masia graduates with the first team, a tradition that has produced stars like Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez.
Flick also highlighted the contributions of other youngsters, such as Dro and Jofre, who impressed in the match.
Despite challenges like injuries and varying training levels among players, the coach’s focus on giving everyone at least 45 minutes of playtime underscores his commitment to squad development.
As Barcelona prepares for a demanding season, Flick’s faith in his young talents signals a promising future.
With Bardghji poised to make his mark, fans can expect an exciting blend of youth and experience in the upcoming La Liga campaign.
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