With the season now over at Barcelona, the time has arrived for evaluations and planning ahead.
Hansi Flick, known for his methodical approach, places significant importance on timing and process when making decisions and preparing for the next campaign.
The German coach does not usually hold meetings or communicate future plans with players until the final official match of the season has been completed.
Cortes, Tommy, Espart going to do first-team pre-season
Now, according to SPORT, Flick has informed three La Masia talents, Tommy Marques, Xavi Espart, and Alvaro Cortes, that they will be doing pre-season with the Barcelona first team.
Alvaro Cortes, Barcelona player
Alvaro Cortes made his debut late in the season. (Picture credit: Instagram/@alvaarocortes)
As happened last season, Flick waited until all official fixtures had been completed before holding short face-to-face conversations with every member of the squad.
The meetings took place immediately after the game and were informal rather than lengthy official office discussions.
The objective was to review the season and begin laying the foundations for the next campaign while explaining expectations for each player’s role.
And, among the players he spoke with were three academy talents who have spent much of the season involved with the first-team environment: Tommy, Espart and Cortes.
Xavi Espart of FC Barcelona
Espart will continue in the first-team dynamics. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Flick’s message
Flick’s message to the three players was reportedly very direct: “I want you fully ready for pre-season, I am counting on you.”
The Barcelona manager has finished the campaign extremely satisfied with both their performances and contributions.
Training regularly with the first team has helped the youngsters grow, while also allowing them to adapt to the pace and intensity required at elite level football. Flick is eager to continue monitoring their development during the summer.
That does not necessarily mean they will immediately receive first-team squad registration.
It is still considered too early to determine that outcome, particularly because several movements are expected across different positions during the transfer window, which will influence how the squad is ultimately structured.
For now, the trio will begin pre-season with the senior squad, after which their development, performances and any decisions made behind the scenes will shape the final outcome.