Flick's initial success in Barcelona gets overshadowed due to a major health issue.
At his first foreign stint, Hansi Flick is pulling off victories flawlessly as FC Barcelona's manager. In three contemporary matches, he's racked up three triumphs. The recent signing, Dani Olmo, has also made an instant impact. However, a shadow looms over their 2:1 success against Rayo Vallecano.
Olmo sealed the third victory for Flick during his tenure. Barcelona managed a 2:1 win against Rayo Vallecano, with Olmo scoring the winner in the 72nd minute, following Pedri's equalizer at the 60th.
Post-game, Olmo expressed his delight, "I'm overjoyed with the game and the victory. It was a fantastic debut for me," speaking to ESPN after the match. Olmo hadn't participated in the initial two games of the season and only received clearance for the match hours prior.
Barcelona managed to register Olmo with Andréas Christensen sidelined due to an Achilles tendon injury. Christensen's entry was temporarily disallowed for the following six months, enabling Barcelona to adhere to Spanish fair-play regulations, having previously reduced wages through İlkay Gündoğan's sale to Manchester City. "I was confident the club would sort things out," Olmo shared. "I've been waiting for the chance to step in, and I'm incredibly thrilled with the outcome."
Trouble for Young Prodigy
Barcelona has had a spotless commencement to the season under the new coach. Following their triumph against Valencia, they secured a 2:1 win against Athletic Bilbao, with the winning goal courtesy of Robert Lewandowski, and now lead the table with nine points.
However, the joy didn't last long, as 17-year-old Marc Bernal was forced to leave the field due to a knee injury in the final minutes. "It's a disheartening victory for us because Bernal has been injured, and it seems to be serious," Flick reported following the game. "We will have to wait and see the severity of the injury. We have secured the win, but the mood in the changing room is far from jubilant. The players aren't entirely content. He's just seventeen, delivering such a performance. It breaks our hearts."
Reports of a potential cruciate ligament rupture have been circulating in the media, mushrooming concerns over Bernal's condition. Bernal had made his debut against Valencia and since Gündoğan's departure and the current absences of Frenkie de Jong and Gavi, Flick's squad is facing a pronounced thinning.
Despite the setback with Marc Bernal's injury, Barcelona continues to impress in the Spanish league under Flick. The young prodigy's absence will be felt, but the team must now focus on overcoming this challenge. Through its current form in the Spanish league, FC Barcelona maintains its lead, proving its resilience and dedication to the Spanish league.
