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Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado has expressed his gratitude to manager Hansi Flick for giving him the opportunity to be part of the first team.
It is no secret that Casado is currently in the best phase of his football career, with regular appearances for Barcelona’s senior squad and a call-up to the Spanish U-21 national team.
The midfielder specifically credits Flick and his teammates for the support they have given him during this important stage of his career. He believes that the confidence shown by the manager and the entire squad has allowed him to deliver his best performances.
“Both the coach, with the confidence he gives me and the advice, and the squad, which is also giving me a lot of confidence on the pitch, are helping me to give the maximum performance and make a more attractive game,” he said.
Relationship with Flick
Marc Casado is grateful to Hansi Flick. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Casado also highlighted his strong relationship with Flick, stating that the coach understands his strengths and knows how to make him feel comfortable on the pitch.
“The coach understands what he needs from me and what I like to feel comfortable on the pitch.”
When there are issues that arise, whether it is with his personal performance or the team’s overall strategy, Casado feels comfortable discussing them with Flick to find solutions and improve their gameplay.
“When there are things in which I don’t feel comfortable or the team is not, I try to talk to the coach to be able to solve it and look for a better game,” he noted.
Despite his young age and this being his first season at the highest level, Casado is not afraid to speak up and even correct his more experienced teammates when needed.
He pointed out that the atmosphere in the dressing room is positive, and everyone is focused on achieving the best results. Constructive criticism is welcomed, as long as it’s communicated respectfully.
“There is a very good vibe. I hit (fights), but they also pay me back. We want things to go well for us and we have to correct ourselves and accept corrections, as long as they are well said.”
Thoughts on Yamal and Szczesny
Marc Casado is in awe of Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Like many at the club, Casado is in awe of Lamine Yamal’s abilities, saying that even if Yamal were 25 years old, his skills would still be impressive. Casado admitted that the entire squad is often amazed by what Yamal can do during training sessions.
“It surprises me a lot and not only because of his age, because if he were 25 years old, he would also be amazed by what he does. We all ‘freak out’ in training.”
Regarding new signing Wojciech Szczesny, Casado shared that the team is happy with the addition of the veteran Polish goalkeeper. He believes Szczesny will bring a lot of experience to the squad while still respecting Iñaki Peña’s place within the team.
“We are happy, he is a veteran goalkeeper who will contribute a lot, but respecting Inaki Pena,” he concluded.
Source: SPORT
