Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado – “Hansi Flick helped me understand many aspects of the game”
Barcelona was forced in a small part to use another group of young people below Hansi Flick at the beginning of the season, but in general, they have impressed with their adaptation to the first team. However few more than Marc Casado.
Casado looked set to leave the Blaugrana this summer ahead of Xavi Hernandez's exit, and was set to be transferred or loaned out. The arrival of Hansi Flick has been a fresh start for the former Barca Atletic captain, and he has played seven of his nine games so far, starting five.
Héctor Fort is the only available player in the squad who has not been a starter on any occasion. @gbsans
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) September 30, 2024
Speaking ahead of Barcelona's clash with Young Boys in the Champions League, Casado highlighted how important Flick has been to their strong start to the season.
“It gives a lot of confidence to all the young people. We are clear what we have to do in every game and this is important to get good results. After the defeat in El Sadar we want to come back and we are motivated to be able to give the fans their first victory in the Champions League”.
Casado also explained that Flick has been crucial for his performances so far, and for his adaptation to the highest level, after several seasons in the third level.
“The coach helped me a lot to start playing in the first team, he gives me a lot of confidence to play. He also tells me very clearly what I have to do so that I can get the best out of myself. I am very grateful to him.”
“It's clear that these are my first games in the First Division and I feel comfortable and good. I think the coach and my teammates are helping me. I'm happy with everything and I hope it can continue like this,” said Casado.
“I think it helped me a lot to be able to get my maximum performance, to understand many aspects of football. So things can go even better. With the coach we have things very clear, we are clear what we have to do. We also worked a lot on the tactical aspect, we analyzed the rivals a lot, like ourselves. We trust him and that things will go well for all of us.”
The 21-year-old also said being close to world-class players like Raphinha and Pedri also helps, because of the advice they have been able to provide.
It will be interesting to see how Flick uses Casado going forward. Based on his selections so far, he prefers Casado more forward than the pivot role, but Eric Garcia has not been a unanimous success in that area. Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong is back in the Barcelona squad for their clash against Young Boys, but has so far struggled as the deepest midfielder throughout his Barcelona career.
