Hansi Flick has identified Pau Victor as the best example for Barcelona’s squad in the context of increasing pressure from some players over a lack of playing time.
Given that several first-team players are purportedly unhappy with their playing time, the German coach has pointed to the professionalism and patience of the 23-year-old forward as attributes every player should strive for.
Then, despite being hardly used this season, Victor has been professional the whole time, never complained, and continued to put maximum effort into training.
That discipline earned Victor a late appearance in Barcelona’s dramatic 4-3 win over Celta Vigo.
For Hansi Flick, it is a tricky situation having a squad full of stars sometimes vying for the same position within the rotation.
High-profile, established players like Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati recently expressed dissatisfaction with their roles, making it harder and harder to manage the locker room dynamic.
In light of this, Flick has identified Victor’s approach as the gold standard – a young forward who has accepted his situation while remaining impeccably professional, realizing that at Barcelona, you earn your place through their daily work, not demand it.
Victor’s instance in the Celta match, though only a short cameo, epitomised precisely what Flick wants to communicate and ultimately instill into all squad members.
Arriving in the 88th minute and level at 3-3, the 23-year-old was electric upon entry, immediately galvanising the team and willing them onto a last-minute winner.
Flick expects this selfless mindset – to be ready when needed, irrespective of previous minutes and game time – to enhance Barcelona’s success during the struggles that may arise throughout the season.
Flick hopes Victor will reflect the attitudes he’s alerted for the game against Mallorca, and they may be able to use frustrations in teaming performances when their time arises while competing across the competitions.
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