Messi has expressed admiration for Flick’s approach of providing opportunities to younger players within the team. This strategy has significantly revitalized the squad, leading to performances that are reminiscent of the legendary days before Messi’s departure from the club three years ago. “It makes me proud to see how the team is represented now. This Barça is spectacular,” Messi stated during an interview with Catalan television TV3 on Friday.
Messi, along with former teammates like Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández, are products of Barcelona’s esteemed youth academy, La Masia. Currently, Lamine Yamal represents the new generation emerging from this celebrated institution. “This happened when I arrived at the club at age 13,” Messi reflected. “I think it is great that these kids have had these chances over the past couple of years. When you give them the opportunity and show them confidence, they respond in this fashion because they know the club better than anyone and know how the team wants to play. Good things are happening just like with the previous generation.”
Xavi, who was Flick’s predecessor until his dismissal last season, was also pivotal in nurturing this talent. He notably provided opportunities to Yamal when he was just 15 years old and brought in players like Pau Cubarsí and Fermín López to the first team. Despite being new to the club, Flick has continued on this path of youth development.
Rather than pushing for signings to fill gaps in the squad, Flick opted to take several young talents on Barcelona’s pre-season tour. During this time, he discovered Marc Bernal, who impressed in the holding midfielder role until he faced a serious injury. Subsequently, Flick unearthed another standout in Marc Casadó, who has taken the opportunity by storm and recently made his debut for Spain. In total, Flick has introduced four young players to the first team within his first three months.
Casadó was part of a youthful lineup, which included six players under the age of 22, that achieved two significant victories over Real Madrid (4-0) and Bayern Munich (4-1). “It’s an honor that the best player here from Barça in the history says this and that he follows how the team is playing and how the young players are doing,” Flick conveys his gratitude towards Messi’s acknowledgment. “You see his whole heart is with this club and it means a lot for us and this team.”
Barcelona is set to face Celta Vigo on Saturday, currently leading La Liga by six points over their rivals Real Madrid. However, Yamal, a key player in their lineup, will miss this match due to an ankle injury that also kept him out of recent international duty. Yamal had already been sidelined during Barcelona’s last match, a 1-0 defeat against Real Sociedad.
Flick emphasized the need to be cautious about Yamal’s recovery. “Lamine is very important for us, but we have to adapt and we have players who can play for him,” Flick noted. “When he is back, it is important that he is 100%.”