Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick made a surprising call on April 22, 2025, by restoring Ansu Fati to the starting XI for the La Liga fixture against Real Mallorca, signaling a deliberate shift to keep his squad motivated and balanced . The decision came in the wake of Fati’s visible frustration over limited minutes, and Flick explained that a change was needed to ensure every player remained ready and engaged .
Decision Overview
In the pre-match lineup unveiled at Montjuïc, Flick shook up his side by handing Fati a first‑team berth alongside several other alterations to the usual starting eleven . This move underlined the coach’s intent to rotate the squad and reward players who had shown determination, even if they had voiced their discontent in previous games .
Coach’s Rationale
Before kick‑off, Flick stressed the necessity of maintaining high performance levels across his roster, noting, “It’s very important to me that we have everyone playing at a good level”. He added that Fati “deserved to play,” especially after the youngster’s incident against Celta Vigo, emphasizing that tactical tweaks can be crucial for sustaining momentum .
Player Context
Fati’s inclusion follows a moment of visible frustration when he was seen kicking a water cooler on the bench after warming up but not making the match‑day squad against Celta . Having struggled to secure regular starts this season, the forward now has the chance to demonstrate his value and justify the coach’s faith .
Looking Ahead
While Flick stopped short of calling the Mallorca match a “final,” he reminded everyone that each fixture carries weight, particularly with a crunch Copa del Rey final on the horizon. He concluded that a strong showing from Fati would boost the team’s morale and pave the way for continued success in the demanding weeks ahead .
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