Barcelona Looks to Youth as Hansi Flick Takes the Helm
- Hansi Flick plans to integrate Lamine Yamal and other young talents from Barcelona into his team strategy.
- Flick's focus on youth indicates a shift toward reliance on emerging players.
- This approach could signal a rebuilding phase aiming for positive results in the upcoming season.
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Hansi Flick, the newly appointed coach of FC Barcelona, is placing his trust in the club's promising young talents, particularly Lamine Yamal, to help rejuvenate the team. At his official presentation, Flick praised Yamal's remarkable performance during the Euros, where he became the youngest scorer in tournament history at just 16 years old. Flick emphasized the importance of Yamal maintaining his focus as he continues to develop his skills. Despite financial struggles that have hindered Barcelona's ability to compete with rivals like Real Madrid, the club remains optimistic due to the ongoing success of its La Masia academy. Flick, who has had limited time to train with his squad due to players' commitments in international tournaments, expressed satisfaction with the potential he has seen in the youth players, particularly from the reserve team. Among the young talents, Flick highlighted Ansu Fati, who has returned from a loan at Brighton. However, Fati will miss the preseason tour in the United States as he continues to regain his fitness. Flick acknowledged the setback but is committed to helping Fati return stronger. Barcelona will also be without defender Ronald Araújo, who sustained a hamstring injury during the Copa America. Club president Joan Laporta expressed confidence in Flick's ability to revitalize a team that has not claimed the Champions League title since 2015, during Lionel Messi's illustrious tenure.