Barcelona emerged from their match against Real Valladolid with a hard-fought 2-1 victory, but this win did not alleviate the concerns raised by Hansi Flick’s substitute lineup as the team approaches a crucial Champions League match.
Barcelona is preparing for a match that cannot be divided into two, with the Catalan club’s fans dreaming of returning from Italy with a ticket to the most prestigious European final, following a 3-3 draw in the first leg at the Montjuïc Stadium.
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According to information from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional,” the German coach decided to give a chance to some players who have not received sufficient playing time this season, including young full-back Héctor Fort, who started the match at right-back.
Despite the high expectations placed on him, Fort failed to capitalize on the opportunity, and his performance raised questions about his future with the team. The player, who has long been considered one of La Masia’s most prominent defensive graduates, failed to perform at the José Zorrilla Stadium, showing a level that did not live up to the coaching staff’s expectations. Despite his offensive efforts, including a shot that came close to the goal, his defensive performance was subpar, as he was repeatedly exposed on the flank by Valladolid players, who easily exploited the spaces.
Flick, who watched the match from the bench with intense focus, expressed his displeasure with the player’s performance. Although he wasn’t substituted during the match, his post-match assessment was clearly negative.
According to sources within the club, the German coach, who prioritizes tactical discipline, believes that Fort does not yet have the necessary fitness to compete at the highest level. Flick had previously preferred temporary solutions on the right wing, such as deploying Eric García out of his original position, rather than relying on Fort, and the last match seems to have settled the matter: the young player is now out of the coach’s plans for the near future. Reports indicate that Flick has already made his point to the sporting management, giving the green light to look for a way out for the player during the summer transfer window, whether through a permanent sale or a loan to a La Liga club, with the goal of giving him more playing time and developing his game away from the pressure of Camp Nou.
