Hansi Flick’s Barcelona embracing La Masia’s next generation

In the first four matchdays of La Liga, Barcelona’s new head coach, Hansi Flick, has already introduced four young players to the senior team, including two from the prestigious La Masia academy.

The debutants – Marc Bernal, Gerard Martin, Pau Victor, and Sergi Dominguez – have all been given their first-team opportunities under Flick’s guidance.

Meanwhile, Marc Casado has enjoyed significant playing time, and Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, and Alejandro Balde have become integral members of the squad.

At the same time, there are other young talents like Unai Hernandez, Alexis Olmedo, Toni Fernandez, and Andres Cuenca who are called up to train with the first-team squad regularly.

Embracing the La Masia philosophy

This emphasis on youth is not merely a reaction to the injuries affecting the senior squad but is also a deliberate strategy rooted in Flick’s deep respect for the talent within La Masia.

Before arriving at Barcelona, Flick had extensively reviewed reports on the club’s academy prospects. Since taking the helm, he has maintained a vigilant focus on the potential within the youth ranks.

This approach aligns seamlessly with Barcelona’s enduring tradition of nurturing homegrown talent, a practice that has historically yielded some of the world’s finest footballers.

Flick’s commitment to integrating La Masia talent into the first team is driven by several factors. First, he acknowledges the academy’s vital role in Barcelona’s identity and success.

Additionally, the depth issues within the squad have created openings for younger players. Moreover, Flick’s coaching philosophy emphasises merit over age.

Most significantly, he has been genuinely impressed by the high caliber of players emerging from La Masia. Upon his arrival at the club, Flick was immediately struck by the exceptional quality of the young talent at his disposal. He expressed his admiration, stating:

“I am very happy with the first few weeks. We have a lot of players from La Masia, I am very grateful for the work done in La Masia with these players. It’s very good, we had a great time and the first thing I saw was the quality and the intensity.”

“They do a fantastic job with the youngsters. I’ve been able to see how they play, how they work, they have great quality,” he added.

Flick’s engagement with the youth players goes beyond mere appearances. He actively supports and encourages them, fostering a nurturing environment where they feel valued and confident.

Sergi Dominguez, the most recent debutant, highlighted Flick’s supportive approach, saying, “He is very close to the players, both he and his staff. He is always attentive to how we are feeling and always has a smile.”

Flick’s commitment towards youth

The German coach’s dedication to youth development is also reflected in his direct involvement with the academy. Flick attends training sessions and matches involving the youth teams, most recently the Juvenil A’s fixture against Badalona.

This hands-on approach allows him to personally evaluate the players’ abilities and demonstrates that their development is closely monitored and valued by the first team’s management.

Furthermore, Flick has sought advice from prominent figures within the club’s youth setup, such as director Deco and football co-ordinator Bojan, among others.

Their insights have been instrumental in helping the manager make well-informed decisions about which players to promote and how best to integrate them into the senior squad.

By embracing and fostering La Masia’s talent, Flick is not only addressing immediate squad needs but also laying the foundation for Barcelona’s long-term success.

The German coach’s approach continues a tradition that has been central to the club’s identity for years, ensuring that the legacy of nurturing homegrown talent remains a cornerstone of Barcelona’s footballing philosophy.