Barcelona coach, Hansi Flick, clarified the situation regarding Ilkay Gündogan’s absence from the LaLiga opener by mentioning that he had spoken with the player personally. Despite reports suggesting that Gündogan wanted to leave the club before the transfer window closes, Flick expressed his belief that the midfielder will stay at Barcelona.
Gündogan did not travel with the squad for the match against Valencia as a precautionary measure due to a head injury sustained earlier in the week. Reports in the local media hinted at Gündogan’s desire to leave, but sources close to the player have reiterated his intention to remain at the club. The midfielder suffered from headaches and dizziness in training, leading to his absence from the game.
In the absence of Gündogan, Flick fielded a youthful Barcelona side that secured a 2-1 victory against Valencia. With key players like Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Pedri sidelined, teenagers like Marc Bernal, Marc Casadó, Pau Cubarsí, and Lamine Yamal were given the opportunity to shine. Flick emphasized the importance of integrating young talents from La Masia into the first team and praised their performance in the season opener.
Reflecting on Barcelona’s performance in his first game in charge, Flick admitted that the team started slowly and fell behind to Valencia’s Hugo Duro. However, a strong second half display, highlighted by Robert Lewandowski’s brace, turned the tide in Barcelona’s favor. Flick acknowledged the need for improvement but commended the players for their efforts in securing the three points.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Gündogan’s future at Barcelona, Flick’s reassurances and the team’s resilient performance in the season opener signal a positive start to the campaign. The focus on youth development and the promising display of young talents bode well for Barcelona’s future under Flick’s leadership.
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