Barcelona’s comeback against Celta Vigo, which ended in a dramatic 4-3 victory in the final minutes, was more than just a win and three points. Despite the celebratory atmosphere surrounding their continued top position in La Liga, tensions were rising in the dressing room over coach Hansi Flick’s handling of substitutions. This angered several players and raised concerning signals within the squad.
According to reports from the Spanish newspaper ‘‘El Nacional‘‘, Fati and Torres weren’t the only ones expressing their displeasure. Hector Fort, the young right-back and regular substitute for Jules Kounde, also voiced his frustration after not being included. After the match, Fort avoided shaking Flick’s hand, a gesture that was understood as a subtle protest. Eyewitnesses reported that the coach attempted to calm him down verbally, but Fort did not hide his frustration.
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Héctor Fort’s situation is not new. Despite numerous injuries in the defensive line, the young player has only played 480 minutes out of a possible 4,590 this season. He has appeared in just 15 matches, including 27 limited minutes in the Champions League, and has missed the last six La Liga matches. Despite his commitment and strong performances in training, he has not been given any real opportunities to prove the coach’s trust in him.
Hansi Flick’s management style has begun to raise some questions. The coach relies on a clearly defined starting lineup and seems reluctant to make changes unless necessary. Although the results so far have justified his decisions, the limited playing time for several players could lead to internal tensions unless addressed properly.
Barcelona boasts a strong squad, including young talents who need confidence and continuity. If they don’t feel like they are an integral part of the sporting project, discontent may gradually escalate.
Despite the club’s confidence in Flick’s project, the events following the Celta Vigo match demonstrate that the emotional management of the squad will be crucial in the upcoming phase. The result was positive, but the actions of Ferran, Ansu, and Fort provide clear indications: the apparent calm within Barcelona hides growing tensions.
