Barcelona's Standout Player Gavi Explains His Request for Flick to Substitute Him for Sevilla
Gavi, the lively midfielder for FC Barcelona, shared the reason behind his request to manager Hansi Flick to be substituted during their 4-1 victory over Sevilla. The young talent, who had recovered from a head collision in their previous league match against Alaves, played in an attacking midfield role ahead of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong.
Gavi's day at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium ended prematurely as he was forced to leave with just ten minutes gone by due to discomfort. He sat out Barça's thrashing of Valencia in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, but returned to action against Sevilla.
With the team aiming to close the gap with La Liga leaders Real Madrid, Gavi's presence was crucial. However, the 18-year-old, already on a yellow card, was feeling the effects of the previous week's collision. Concerns grew when Sevilla's Fermin Lopez was sent off in the second half, leaving Barcelona with a one-man disadvantage, but Fick's substitution, bringing on Ferruccio, salvaged the situation.
Gavi had requested a substitute at halftime, citing his concerns, and Flick, showing a supportive touch, obliged. "I told him the game wasn't for taking any risks," Flick revealed, citing Gavi's yellow card and the physical discomfort caused by his knock against Alaves. Flick had shown similar understanding previously, bringing on Pablo Torre instead of Gavi in a game against Valencia, a sign of the trust between the player and manager.
Despite Barca's improved standing in the title race, Gavi remains cautious. He had warned of the long road ahead despite a 10-point deficit in December. Now, with just two points separating them from Real Madrid, Gavi reiterated his belief, insisting, "The league is very long, and we have to win all the games left to win it."
Flick, in his post-match remarks, rewarded his players with three days off but cautioned them against indiscretions. Barcelona's next match is against Rayo Vallecano on February 17. Gavi or Dani Olmo is set to take up the most advanced midfield role as Ferruccio serves his suspension.
[1]https://www.goal.com/en/news/gavi-injury-suspension-fc-barcelona-hansi-flick-sergi-ferruccio/frvbhhx4vqwu1li3nkxqzjca5g[2]https://www.football.london/fc-barcelona-transfers/new-christian-eriksen-fc-barca-summer-transfer-market-21322303
- Gavi mentioned his discomfort from the head collision against Deportivo Alaves as the reason for his request to be substituted during the game against Sevilla.
- Hansi Flick, showing his trust in Gavi, brought on Pablo Torre in place of Gavi in a previous game, demonstrating his understanding and support for the young midfielder.
- With Dani Olmo likely to take up the most advanced midfield role in their next match against Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona will hope to continue their improved standing in the title race.
- Pedri and Frenkie de Jong played alongside Gavi in an attacking midfield role for Barça, with Pedri maintaining his impressive form despite the absence of Gavi during their Copa del Rey match against Valencia.
