Hansi Flick hints at new role for Barcelona youngster vs Monaco

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has on Wednesday evening provided an insight into his plans for returning attacker Ansu Fati.

The name of wide-man Ansu has of course positioned itself front and centre in the headlines in Catalunya’s capital across the day to date.

This comes after the 21-year-old was afforded a place in a Barcelona matchday squad for the first time this season.

Having been given the medical green light following a spell on the sidelines with a foot injury, Ansu has been called up for Barca’s Champions League season opener against AS Monaco.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, it therefore came as little surprise when the name of his young winger was put to manager Hansi Flick.

And the German’s response proved an altogether noteworthy one.

This comes with Flick having first confirmed that Ansu could well play a prominent role against Monaco, before also hinting at a new role in attack for the Spanish international:

“Ansu Fati could play around 30 minutes, even 45 as he’s fully ready. I also know where we will play in the attack but I won’t reveal that now because we have the game tomorrow. He enjoys playing football and we want players who can score goals.”

Conor Laird | GSFN