Hansi Flick explains decision to hand first-ever start to Barcelona starlet vs Villarreal

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has provided an insight into his decision to afford a first-ever starting berth to Sergi Domínguez in the club’s latest outing.

Barcelona are of course currently locked in La Liga action.

Fresh off a first defeat of the campaign in the Champions League in midweek, the Blaugrana have turned their attentions back towards matters on the domestic front, in a meeting with Villarreal.

Amid a chaotic run of fixtures for Spanish football’s clubs, the aforementioned Hansi Flick opted to shake up his XI at El Madrigal, affording some much-needed rest to the likes of Pau Cubarsí, and Marc Casadó.

And stepping into the Barcelona line-up, in turn, were youngsters Pablo Torre, and Sergi Domínguez.

The latter’s inclusion marked a particular surprise, with Domínguez, still just 19, having only very recently established himself as a first-team option in Catalunya’s capital.

Speaking to the media ahead of proceedings getting underway this evening, boss Flick, though, justified his decision to throw the stopper in at the deep end, explaining:

“Since the beginning of the pre-season Dominguez has been with us and he has been doing very well. He has improved a lot and no one thought he would go this way. He deserves to start today.”

Conor Laird – GSFN