FC Barcelona left a great impression in its second preseason match, played this Wednesday in Korea. The team led by Hansi Flick defeated FC Seoul 7-3 in a match marked by offensive intensity. The team showed clear signs of the style the new German coach wants to implement.
The rout began to take shape very early, when Robert Lewandowski took advantage of an assist to open the scoring. Afterwards, the standout of the night was Lamine Yamal, who scored a brilliant brace. His runs, dribbles, and finishing ability earned the ovation of the local crowd.
Christensen also joined the scoring party with a goal. In the second half, Ferran Torres scored the fourth. Later, Gavi sealed the match with the sixth and Ferran Torres with the seventh.
Flick sends a message after the rout
Beyond the result, the most striking thing was Flick's reaction after the final whistle. The coach didn't focus only on the positive aspects, but instead issued a clear warning. Specifically, he pointed out that there was a player who didn't live up to expectations despite having minutes on the field.
The German wanted to test him from the start, offering him a golden opportunity to earn a spot. Throughout the week, he had practiced with him in the starting eleven and today he placed him in a key position. However, his performance was well below the rest and he didn't convince the coaching staff.
According to internal sources, Flick approached Lamine after the match and made a direct confession: "Your friend is out." This phrase sparked all kinds of rumors in the locker room, as many guessed which player he was referring to. The disappointment in his area of the field was more than evident.
The experiment didn't work
The player in question has been training with the first team for weeks and had left a good impression during the tour. His presence caused some excitement, especially because of his youth and his recent breakthrough in the lower categories. However, the match against FC Seoul was a trial by fire that he didn't pass.
During the 45 minutes he was on the field, he barely contributed in attack and struggled in every defensive action. Flick was the first to notice, and he didn't hesitate to substitute him at halftime without waiting for improvement. From the bench, he looked frustrated and showed signs of resignation because of his performance.
In a context where many young players are taking advantage of their opportunities, his case has been the exception. While names like Marc Bernal, Toni Fernández, or Lamine himself shine, he has been singled out. In a team where there is so much competition, that can be decisive for his immediate future.
The player Flick was referring to with his message is Héctor Fort. The full-back hasn't managed to convince Barça's new coach, who had already given him minutes against Vissel Kobe as well. This time, with more responsibility on his shoulders, his performance fell well short of expectations.
Everything suggests he won't be a regular part of the first-team squad this season. Although he will keep training with the group, his role will be relegated and he could return to the reserve team to get more playing time. The door isn't closed, but Flick has been clear: with that level, he has no place in his project.