The start of the Flick era at FC Barcelona has brought a radical change of direction. The German coach has established a culture of maximum demand from day one, leaving no room for relaxation. The priority is clear: to restore Barça's competitive spirit, which in recent years seemed to have faded.
Every training session reflects that non-negotiable work philosophy that requires professionalism, commitment, and absolute discipline from all players. Flick understands that individual talent isn't enough if it's not accompanied by collective rigor both on and off the field. Under that perspective, one of the first controversial decisions is already on the table.
On top of this, the footballer has attracted interest from several major European clubs. Among them are Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, which would be willing to pay a significant amount of money. This move would be very beneficial for Barça to be able to register the players Flick actually needs.
Hansi Flick | @FCBarcelona
An early warning that sets a trend
The first player singled out by the new coaching staff has been a homegrown footballer who was just starting to settle in. The young player arrived late to the first medical check-up of the preseason, something unacceptable for Flick. For the coach, punctuality isn't a detail but an obligation that shows commitment.
The offense was considered serious even though in other periods it would've been solved with a simple fine. Flick decided to turn it into an example for the rest, sending a strong message from the start. In his manual, every member of the locker room must set an example from the very first minute.
Flick with Barça | @FCBarcelona
Beyond the episode of indiscipline, the player's performance had already raised doubts at the club. He had barely played any minutes during the previous campaign and didn't manage to convince the previous coach. With Flick's arrival, his situation, far from improving, has only worsened.
The competition in his position is fierce, with established and more experienced players ahead of him in the rotation. Flick wants immediate guarantees, footballers capable of keeping the competitive level from the first day of the season. In that scenario, the young prospect has been relegated to an almost irrelevant role.
Hansi Flick | @FCBarcelona
Not even help from his friends is enough
Sources close to the locker room have confirmed that Lamine Yamal tried to mediate on behalf of his teammate. Both have maintained a close friendship since the youth categories and share a very strong personal connection. Lamine asked for patience and a second chance, convinced that he could turn the situation around.
However, Flick didn't accept the proposal and kept his inflexible stance regarding discipline. For the coach, giving in this case would mean opening a dangerous door to future internal precedents. He considers it essential to convey that in his Barça there are no exceptions, not even for the youngest players.
Lamine Yamal | @FCBarcelona
Given this situation, the sporting management is already working to find a solution that satisfies all parties. The most viable option is to arrange a loan to a mid-level club where he can gain experience. There, he would get minutes, confidence, and a less demanding environment to regain the confidence he has lost.
Inside the club, they acknowledge that the player's talent isn't in doubt, but his maturity is. The Barça environment demands a higher level of commitment than he has shown so far, and there is no room for mistakes. That's why an intermediate step seems the best way not to break ties with the footballer completely.
Flick's Barça no longer forgives
The decision also serves as a warning to the rest of the squad, which has taken note of the episode. Flick wants a locker room focused solely on sports, with no distractions, no privileges, and with absolute discipline. In that model, there's no room for attitudes that could compromise collective competitiveness.
The German coach has made it clear that his project isn't based on names, but on daily performances. With this measure, he sets the path for what the new Barça will be in the coming months. Whoever isn't willing to adapt will have to look for their future away from Camp Nou.
Héctor Fort | @FCBarcelona
The player singled out is none other than Héctor Fort, a right back trained at La Masia and a Spain U-19 international. The homegrown player, who had barely played any minutes last season, now finds himself pushed toward the exit door. His lack of punctuality and low competitive impact have made him the first major casualty.
Clubs like Borussia Dortmund or Ajax have already inquired about a possible loan for the young defender. For Barça, temporarily letting him go could be an opportunity for him to grow without the immediate pressure of the first team. Meanwhile, Flick sends the ultimate message: in his Barça, only those who are ready have a place.
