Hansi Flick's FC Barcelona continued their pre-season tour of Asia with a dominant performance against FC Seoul, securing a comfortable victory. The match, played in front of passionate Barça fans in the Korean capital, saw Gavi steal the show, earning high praise from the new manager.
Gavi's Leadership Impresses Flick
Flick was particularly impressed with Gavi's performance, highlighting his ability to push the team forward and his leadership qualities while wearing the captain's armband. "Exactly what I’ve seen from Gavi is what I want to see: pushing the team forward, wearing the armband. It’s good to see him like this," Flick stated after the match. Gavi's versatility was also noted, with Flick mentioning his ability to play both as a number 6 and a number 8.
Pre-Season Progress Continues
The victory against FC Seoul marks Barcelona's second win of the pre-season, following their triumph over Vissel Kobe in Japan. Flick emphasized the importance of giving each player 45 minutes to gain valuable match experience. He also acknowledged some challenges during the match, particularly with Eric and Iñigo, but expressed overall satisfaction with the team's performance.
Other Notable Performances
- Lamine Yamal scored his first goal for Barcelona, wearing the iconic No. 10 shirt previously worn by Lionel Messi.
- Marcus Rashford reunited with Jesse Lingard, offering a curious and heartwarming moment for fans.
- Ferran Torres and Gerard Martín also contributed to the victory, showcasing the depth of Barcelona's squad.
Barcelona will now face Daegu in their next pre-season match, aiming to continue their winning streak and further refine their tactics under Hansi Flick's guidance. The Asia tour provides a valuable opportunity for the team to connect with their global fanbase and prepare for the upcoming La Liga season.