Barcelona launched their 2025–26 La Liga campaign in style, defeating Real Mallorca 3–0 with a display marked by cohesion and tactical sharpness.
The victory highlighted the team’s balance under new coach Hansi Flick, who has quickly imposed a structure based on collective effort and discipline.
However, the post-match atmosphere was not entirely celebratory, as tensions surfaced between Flick and midfielder Dani Olmo.
According to reports from inside the club, Flick was far from satisfied with Olmo’s contribution after bringing him on in the second half.
The German coach is said to have been frustrated by what he viewed as an individualistic and unfocused performance.
Olmo’s positioning, decision-making, and distribution reportedly disrupted the team’s flow at moments when Barcelona had opportunities to build on their lead.
Rather than integrating seamlessly into the system, the Spanish international appeared disconnected, something Flick was unwilling to overlook.
Local media outlets suggested that the frustration escalated into a heated exchange in the dressing room.
Flick is believed to have delivered a stern warning, making it clear that such lapses in discipline will not be tolerated.
The message was direct: talent alone will not guarantee a place in his lineup if it is not accompanied by tactical responsibility and a willingness to serve the collective.
For a manager known for his strict standards and structured approach, setting this tone early in the campaign signals his determination to prioritize the group over individual expression.
For supporters, Barcelona’s commanding win is reason for optimism, particularly with the team displaying early signs of fluency under Flick’s leadership.
Still, the Olmo incident underlines the delicate balance the coach must strike in managing a squad full of quality while demanding consistent discipline.
Barcelona’s ambitions this season go beyond strong domestic performances — they aim to reassert themselves in Europe as well.
To achieve this, Flick must ensure that even established players adapt to his vision of unity and precision.
The situation now places pressure on Olmo, who faces the task of proving he can adjust his style to meet Flick’s expectations.
Whether he responds positively could determine his role in the months ahead.
For Flick, the episode illustrates the broader challenge of building not just a winning team, but one that functions with harmony and discipline at every level.
Leave a Reply