‘I needed to know’… Marc Casado reflects on the week that led to a key talk with Xavi | OneFootball

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona has become one of the best teams in Europe so far this season. The German coach has come in, transformed the situation of a number of players, and made them play some of the best football in the world.

Many players have emerged as stars in the German coach’s team but no one has surprised more than Marc Casado. After hardly getting a whiff under Xavi Hernandez, the 21-year-old has emerged as the engine room for Hansi Flick’s team.

The former Barcelona Atletic captain has developed his positional game to a very high level and has been reaping the rewards for the same. He has emerged as the answer to the Catalan club’s long-term search for a replacement for club legend Sergio Busquets.

It has not always been plain sailing for Casado though, who was going through a very difficult moment last season. However, to the 21-year-old’s credit, he stuck it out and he is now realising his dream of playing for the Barcelona first team.

As highlighted by SPORT, Casado has reflected on a difficult conversation he had with Xavi, although he did not give much details. He said:

“I think this is important too. When a coach isn’t showing confidence in you, it’s important to talk to him and find out what he thinks you’re missing to be able to play.”

“I did that. I remember a week with two big wins—5-0 at home against Betis and 5-0 against Antwerp. Despite the results, I didn’t get to play, and it was a tough week for me. I talked to him because I needed to know what I had to improve.”

“In the end, I played three or four league matches and a few in the Champions League too. I’d rather keep to myself what he told me.”

For some context, the week that Casado was referring to was when Xavi’s team secured two emphatic 5-0 victories—against Real Betis and Antwerp—but he didn’t feature in either match. It could have a very demoralizing impact on a young player.

Luckily for the 21-year-old, in Hansi Flick, he has found a manager who trusts him. Of course, the injury to Marc Bernal accelerated his progress in the first team but the 21-year-old deserves his flowers for taking the chance with both hands.

It remains to be seen where Marc Casado goes from here. Having made his debut for Spain, the sky looks to be the limit for him, and let’s hope he can continue working and impressing in the coming months and years.