Barcelona delivered a commanding 5-0 victory against Valencia at Mestalla, securing their place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals. Despite this impressive triumph, internal tensions have reportedly surfaced within the team concerning certain decisions made by manager Hansi Flick during the match.
According to a report from El Nacional, dissatisfaction among players has emerged, particularly regarding Flick’s choices around substitutions. One point of contention revolves around Pablo Torre, who many expected to see on the field given the comfortable 4-0 lead by halftime. However, Flick opted to leave Torre on the bench for the entire game, much to the disappointment of some teammates who believe he deserves more playing time, especially in matches that are effectively decided early.
Another decision that sparked debate was keeping 17-year-old Lamine Yamal on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. Given the already secured result and concerns about managing his workload, some players and observers saw this as unnecessary, especially when more experienced players like Torre were left unused.
Following the match, Torre’s frustration was apparent as he showed little enthusiasm during the team’s post-game celebrations. Having recently returned from a loan spell, he had hoped to play a more prominent role but now faces growing uncertainty about his future at the club.
Since taking over as manager, Flick has prioritized giving opportunities to young talents like Pau Cubarsí and Yamal, who have repaid his faith with strong performances. However, this approach has come at the expense of other players, including Torre and Héctor Fort, who have found their playing opportunities limited. If this trend continues, it is likely that Torre will consider seeking a move away from Barcelona in the summer to secure more regular playing time.
While Barcelona remains in contention for multiple trophies, Flick’s ability to maintain harmony within the squad will be crucial. If the current dissatisfaction among players continues to grow, managing dressing room dynamics could become a significant challenge for the German coach as the season progresses.
