Flick continues to nurture Barcelona midfield ace amid severe lack of minutes this season | OneFootball

The start of the season has not been easy for Gavi. He has barely featured for FC Barcelona under Hansi Flick in the 2026/27 season.

The La Masia midfielder, who is not with the Spain squad under Luis de la Fuente because he is suspended, is one of the main victims of the intense competition for places in Barcelona’s midfield.

However, according to MARCA, the German coach has not forgotten about him. Flick continues to look after the academy graduate, regularly speaking with him and praising him both publicly and privately.

A special bond

Gavi has featured in only three matches this season, two in La Liga, against Elche and Racing, and one in the UEFA Champions League against Feyenoord. He has played just 81 minutes in total.

That is a limited contribution for a midfielder who has been an important part of Barcelona’s system in recent seasons.

The Spaniard’s connection with the manager is particularly clear. The 22-year-old has said on several occasions that he regards Flick almost like a father.

Gavi and Flick share a strong connection. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

That relationship remains intact despite his lack of playing time and the German coach currently choosing other midfielders ahead of him.

Competition for places at Barcelona

Flick has been giving minutes to Pedri, Rodri and Marc Bernal in the double pivot, Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo in attacking midfield and Lamine Yamal, Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi out wide.

Breaking into the team is difficult because of the high level shown by those currently playing.

After all, Barcelona have won all eight matches at the start of the season, seven in La Liga and one in the Champions League, scoring 36 goals in the process.

Flick rotates his players and makes changes, but there is not enough playing time for everyone to be satisfied.

His principle is that decisions must be based on what is best for the team, regardless of the individual consequences, even when those decisions can feel harsh or unfair.

Gavi has not played much this season. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)

Flick continues to support Gavi

That focus on the collective, however, does not prevent Flick from looking after Gavi. He keeps the midfielder engaged, maintains his competitive edge and continues to encourage his ambition.

The coach speaks to Gavi, explains the situation, motivates him and makes clear that he continues to have complete confidence in him. Flick reminds him that his ambition, intensity, determination, work rate and technical qualities, remain important to Barça.

Flick’s support is not limited to private conversations. He has also praised Gavi at press conferences.

“Gavi has great ambition and always wants to play. He played, he got injured, he came back, but the team is working as it is and we have to accept that,” he said recently.

“Everyone needs to know that we need him, and he trains well.”

For now, Gavi’s role is limited, but Flick continues to make it clear that he remains part of his plans and that his current lack of minutes does not reflect a loss of confidence in him.