Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is set to encounter one of the most challenging phases of his tenure at the club, as per a report from SPORT (via FCB World).
With the majority of injured players returning to the squad, Flick now has an almost complete roster to manage.
This leaves him with over 20 senior players, along with promising talents from the academy and three goalkeepers. While this is a positive development for the team, it adds a layer of complexity to his managerial responsibilities.
Rotation is necessary
Barcelona’s packed schedule, which includes La Liga, the King’s Cup, the Super Cup, and the Champions League, will demand meticulous planning from Flick.
Ensuring all players receive sufficient playing time will be vital to maintaining harmony in the dressing room. Discontent could arise if players feel undervalued or sidelined.
This will test Flick’s ability to balance squad rotation and performance, especially given his history of successfully managing big personalities at Bayern Munich.
A few players are asking for more minutes
Hansi Flick is set to face a challenging period. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The current season has already presented several challenges. Flick has had to make tough calls, such as rotating key players like Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, while leaving out talents like Gavi and Dani Olmo in certain matches.
Such decisions have reportedly sparked unease among the squad. Additionally, players like Eric Garcia and Ansu Fati, who is struggling for opportunities post-injury, add to Flick’s workload.
Even Frenkie de Jong has found himself on the bench as younger talents like Casado rise to prominence.
How about January exits?
Further complicating matters, players like Pablo Torre and Pau Victor, who lack consistent playing time, could become candidates for departure.
However, given the demanding fixture list, Flick may prefer to keep them as options. His ability to nurture team spirit, provide equal opportunities, and make strategic decisions will be critical in navigating this challenging period.
Flick’s past experience managing elite teams with star-studded line-ups will play a crucial role.
To steer Barcelona, he must maintain a close connection with the players, ensure cohesion, and implement a fair rotation policy. By doing so, he can avoid potential dressing-room tensions while keeping the team competitive on all fronts.