Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin of Barcelona
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has offered interesting insight into the language dynamics within the dressing room and how Hansi Flick communicates with his players when emotions rise.
The recently named Golden Boy winner also addressed questions about his Spanish fluency, explaining that although he speaks both languages, Catalan remains his preferred way of communicating.
While quite generic, his comments actually provide a glimpse into the cultural identity of the Barcelona roster and the relationship between the manager and his young players.
Cubarsi explains why he feels more comfortable speaking Catalan
Born in Estanyol, a small town in the province of Girona, Cubarsi grew up speaking Catalan.
Notably, the Catalan language is pretty much prominent within Barcelona’s dressing room, where several players share the same linguistic background.
"Somos de los países que más Golden Boys hemos ganado, es para estar orgullosos"✨ El orgullo de Pau Cubarsí tras ganar el Golden Boy 2026 #TRENDING #NationsLeaguexDAZN https://t.co/HXusLRp0Hu
— DAZN España (@DAZN_ES) November 10, 2026
In fact, some teammates who did not grow up in Catalonia have also developed an understanding of the language through their time at La Masia and within the first team.
Fermin Lopez is among those who can understand and speak Catalan despite not being Catalan by origin.
Cubarsi addressed suggestions that he struggled with Spanish, making his preference clear.
“People were saying I couldn’t speak Spanish fluently, but of course I can. I just feel more comfortable speaking Catalan.”
Furthermore, the defender also explained how he adjusts his language depending on the teammate he is speaking to.
Pau Cubarsi, Barcelona player
Pau Cubarsi explains how Hansi Flick reacts to tense situations. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
“With Eric Garcia I try to speak Catalan because it is more fluent, but with all the others I speak Spanish perfectly,” he said.
Cubarsi reveals how Flick reacts when he gets angry
The Barcelona youngster also provided an entertaining insight into Flick’s behaviour during training and matches, particularly when the German manager becomes frustrated.
“When he’s angry, he speaks in German or English. When he’s happy, he sometimes says a few words in Spanish.
“When he is angry, we don’t understand what he’s saying, but from his facial expressions and the tone of his voice, we already know it’s not good,” he told DAZN España.
Lamine Yamal, Marc Cucurella
Lamine Yamal, Marc Cucurella