Barcelona has started a new season with Hansi Flick in charge, and the German coach has made it clear that discipline and demands will be non-negotiable. Since his arrival at the club, the former German national team coach has established strict rules to ensure the squad's maximum performance.
Flick's goal is clear: to build a competitive team capable of fighting for every title. To achieve this, he needs every player to show absolute commitment, both on and off the field. That's why preseason is not only for working on tactics, but also to evaluate the attitude and professionalism of all the footballers.
Flick already warned, but he is fed up
Flick's first major warning has centered on Héctor Fort. The young right-back, developed at La Masia, was the only Barça player among the 35 drafted who arrived late to the medical tests at the start of preseason. His delay, which exceeded 30 min. (30 minutes), did not sit well with the coach.
This episode has been the last straw for a player who was already under scrutiny due to his low participation last season. Fort barely played any minutes, with no goals or assists, which has led Flick to question his continuity in the first team. For the German coach, discipline is as important as talent.
Complicated future
Flick's reaction has been blunt: he doesn't want players who are not up to Barça's demands. For this reason, it is not ruled out that Héctor Fort could be loaned out in this same transfer window to gain experience and regain the coaching staff's trust. His immediate future seems far from Camp Nou.
The club views this measure favorably, as it would allow the academy product to mature in an environment with less pressure. The preseason tour in Asia will be decisive in determining whether he is included in the rotation or if his temporary departure is finalized. If he doesn't manage to turn this situation around, his story with the first team could be put on hold sooner rather than later.
With this decision, Flick once again sends a clear message: in this Barça there is no room for relaxation or concessions. The demands are maximum and the margin for error is minimal. Any player, regardless of age or background, will have to meet the standards that the coach and the institution expect.