Barcelona's preseason has started at a fast pace and Hansi Flick hasn't wasted any time in leaving his mark. The German coach, known for his discipline and high standards, is evaluating the entire squad to define the project he wants to lead next season. With the transfer market still open, Flick has room to decide which players will stay and which ones should look for a new destination.
In this context, it's surprising that one of the first players pointed out to leave the club isn't Marc-André ter Stegen, whose future continues to raise doubts. Although the German goalkeeper could leave in the coming weeks, Flick has requested the departure of another footballer who wasn't among the expected candidates. The coach has made it clear that there's no place for unprofessional attitudes in its locker room.
The new discard of the German coach
The young Héctor Fort has been a protagonist in the first days of preseason, but not for sporting reasons. According to reports, the youth academy player arrived late to the medical tests scheduled by the coaching staff, an infraction that didn't go unnoticed by Flick. The coach, true to his principles of discipline, has asked the club to look for an exit for the right back this summer.
Deco and Joan Laporta are already working on possible solutions, which include a loan so the player can gain experience or even a transfer with a buy-back option. Fort, just 18 years old, was considered one of the academy's prospects, but his delay at a key moment in the preparation has outweighed his potential.
Decision that surprises
At Barça, Flick's decision has caused a certain impact. Although the German is seen as an approachable coach, his zero tolerance for lack of commitment has been evident from the start. Club sources explain that the coach won't allow "lapses" or attitudes that break the group's dynamic, especially when the team is at a crucial moment of rebuilding.
For Fort, the opportunity to continue in the first team seems to have vanished for now. The player will have to take advantage of any exit to show that he can turn the situation around and earn a place again in the future. Meanwhile, Flick continues shaping the squad with the goal of competing at the highest level in all competitions.