Barcelona’s hopes of clinching multiple records and reaching the elusive 100-point mark for the season came to an end following their recent defeat to Alaves.
A disappointing result against Alaves was bound to happen, considering the sheer number of changes Hansi Flick had made in the first team, leading many to believe that the German has a pact with players participating in the World Cup.
Flick has no World Cup agreement
However, according to MARCA, there is no agreement in place between Barcelona and their World Cup-bound players regarding playing time in the final matches of the season.
Flick is making every rotation decision independently, based purely on how he assesses each player’s physical condition and how they communicate their feelings to him.
Flick won’t restrict game-time because of the World Cup. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Fermin Lopez and Frenkie de Jong did not travel to Vitoria at all, while Joan Garcia, Pedri and Ferran Torres all started on the bench. The changes were significant by Flick’s standards, but they were his call and his alone.
The German coach is acutely aware of the World Cup’s significance. But there has been no formal agreement that will dictate how the coach will control the players’ game time.
Flick’s plan until the end of the season
With Barcelona having already played 55 matches across all competitions this season and the La Liga title secured, Flick’s priority is clear.
Flick wants to win the remaining games this season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
He does not want any of his players picking up injuries in the final three matches that could rob them of their World Cup dream, nor does he want them entering the tournament carrying unnecessary fatigue.
Players like Pau Cubarsi, who has already accumulated 2,708 minutes, and Gerard Martin and Eric Garcia, who have each featured in 49 matches, are among those being carefully managed.
That said, Flick will not tolerate complacency. Barcelona’s standards demand a competitive attitude until the final whistle of the season, regardless of what has already been achieved.