Barcelona starlet reveals loan plans were scrapped after Flick’s arrival – ‘The idea was…’

Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado experienced a significant turning point in his career last summer, and much of it can be credited to the arrival of Hansi Flick.

The young midfielder, who had been making strides with Barcelona’s reserve team, has revealed that he was on the verge of leaving on loan in search of more playing time.

However, Flick’s intervention and faith in his potential completely changed the course of his future.

Casado’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable this season. The young talent transitioned from competing in play-offs for Barcelona Atletic’s promotion to the Segunda Division to securing a spot in the senior team in less than six months.

This leap came after his contract renewal with the club until 2028, a decision that now seems even more valuable given the trust and opportunities he has received under Flick.

Could have gone out on loan

The club initially considered sending him out on loan, but Flick had a different vision. Upon reviewing footage of Casado’s performances with the youth and reserve teams, Flick recognised his potential and identified him as a key player for the senior side.

“The club wanted me to stay, but it’s true that the idea was to look for minutes outside of Barça,” he told Barça One.

“When Hansi Flick arrived, they told me that he had been analysing videos of the youth team and Barça Atletic and that he saw me as an important piece of the team.”

This endorsement convinced both the club and Casado to commit to his future at Barcelona. Instead of seeking minutes elsewhere, he stayed with the team, ready to fight for his place.

“In the end, I renewed with the idea of ​​being able to stay in the first team.”

Pre-season preparation

The preseason proved to be a crucial period for Casado. With every training session, he gave his utmost effort, knowing it could define his future at the club he had always dreamt of representing.

“I knew that these games could be life or death and I went out onto the field knowing that if I did well I could stay at the club where I had always dreamed of playing. 

His performances during the preseason tour in the United States were particularly impressive, earning him the most minutes on the pitch among his peers.

While the coaching staff occasionally considered substituting him to manage his workload, Casado’s determination to stay on the field highlighted his hunger to succeed.

“There were times when the manager wanted to substitute me to manage the workload, but I didn’t want to.

“I remember what he told us at the start of each training session. He told us that if we gave 100% we would be rewarded.

“I remember talking to him and him asking me to do my best because the rest of the things would come by themselves,” he revealed.