One of the key objectives for Hansi Flick this season is to create better communication and balance with Barça Atlètic. Last season, the Heidelberg coach frequently relied on the reserve team, providing opportunities to many players from the second squad. However, the goal for the upcoming season is to be more interventionist, ensuring a perfect symbiosis. This also includes working on the physical aspect, of course.
Hansi wants the players who join the sessions with the first team to be ready for that leap. Hence, the first team staff directly involved in the physical preparation. In this connection, Flick and Belletti also agree, depending on the context, on the minutes certain players, who might be included in Barça’s matchday squads, will play. For example, Toni Fernández was in Andratx. It was previously agreed that he would play only one half.
Danger Across Many RFEF Fields
Another important factor is the potential dangers posed by certain RFEF Segunda Division fields. Artificial turf in the condition it was the other day in the Mallorcan town can lead to injuries. Guille could have been included in Sunday’s list, but he got injured during the first half, preventing this possibility.
This practice will continue. The German coach understands that young players need game time and to accumulate minutes. It’s also beneficial for them to train with the first team. Therefore, when he needs them in the first team squads and the match day doesn’t coincide with a reserve team match, he will release them and agree with the Brazilian coach on the number of minutes they’ll play. We saw this happen over the weekend, and it will continue. It’s another story, for instance, when the player in question is expected to accumulate minutes with the first team, like Jofre.
Caution with Jofre
The plan was for Jofre to play during the break with the first team, but Flick held him back after Balde’s injury. Likewise, he didn’t travel to Mallorca this past weekend. There was too much risk with only Gerard Martín available as a pure left-back. This decision was made to avoid weakening Belletti too much and maintaining a balance.
Discover more from Barça Buzz
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
