Coach Hansi Flick's faith in youth shines through at FC Barcelona

This decision has raised eyebrows, especially following the recent departure of Oriol Romeu, who returned to Girona.

Throughout the pre-season, Flick has placed his trust in young talents Marc Bernal and Marc Casado to anchor the midfield, demonstrating his commitment to the club's youth academy and his long-term vision for the team.

The German manager has emphasised a high-pressing, aggressive style of play. This approach was evident during the pre-season, where Flick highlighted the need for bravery and cohesion in pressing to achieve success.

While there were notable improvements in the second half of their matches, the team still has areas to refine before the season kicks off.

Barcelona's pre-season tour has included clashes against top teams like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and AC Milan. Flick has viewed the tour positively, particularly the involvement of numerous young players.

He praised the quality and development shown by these youngsters throughout the preparation period. Despite the challenges, Flick remains optimistic, believing his team are on the right path for the La Liga season opener on 18 August when Barca travel to face Valencia at Mestalla Stadium.

Initially, it was thought that bolstering the midfield would be a priority, but Flick has decided against additional signings in that area, as reported by Fichajes. He is confident that injured players will return to strengthen the squad, providing reassurance about the depth of his team.

Since Sergio Busquets' departure, only Romeu had been brought in as a replacement, and his short stint at the club ended abruptly. Flick firmly believes in the current squad's ability to overcome the upcoming season's challenges without needing further reinforcements in the midfield.

Flick's approach signifies a significant shift in Barcelona's strategy, focusing on nurturing home-grown talent rather than relying on the transfer market. This move reflects Flick's belief in the potential within the club's ranks and his willingness to give young players a chance to shine on the big stage.

As Barcelona prepare for the new season, it will be interesting to see if this bold strategy pays off.

READ MORE: Marco Reus heads to LA Galaxy after Dortmund departure