‘I would have liked‘ — 19-year-old forward reveals regret over lack of contact from Hansi Flick before Barcelona exit | OneFootball

Back when he was rising through the academy ranks, Marc Guiu was seen as one of the most exciting attacking prospects of his generation. It is rare to see a striker with such a combination of strength, finishing instinct, and composure emerge from La Masia.

Xavi Hernandez recognized that potential and gave the young Spaniard several chances during his final season in charge. Guiu made the most of those opportunities, famously scoring on his debut within minutes of coming on to seal a crucial win for Barcelona against Athletic Club.

That is why it came as a major disappointment last summer when the teenager chose not to renew his contract with the Catalan club. Instead, he joined Chelsea in a deal worth around €6 million. Since his arrival in London, however, his playing time has been minimal.

Speaking to TV3 (via Mundo Deportivo) while on international duty with Spain’s Under-21 team, Guiu reflected on his decision to leave Barcelona and the circumstances that led to it.

“Maybe I could have played a bit more. Barça had other plans. There was Lewandowski, and they signed Vitor Roque, so I didn’t have much space.”

Guiu also revealed a sense of regret that he never had the chance to speak with current Barça coach Hansi Flick before leaving.

“I would have liked Flick to call me.”

Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images

The young striker also spoke warmly about Xavi Hernandez, the manager who gave him his debut and trusted him in key moments.

“He’s the one who gave me everything, who helped me reach the top level. He gave me the opportunity to play the day I scored my goal. I’m very grateful to Xavi.”

Since joining Chelsea, the 19-year-old has had a turbulent few months. He was briefly loaned to Sunderland before being recalled after Liam Delap’s injury this summer. Now back at Stamford Bridge, Guiu is determined to prove himself.

“It’s time to train hard, get as many minutes as possible, try to be a starter, and score lots of goals.”

The truth is that Guiu became impatient. Despite signing Vitor Roque, Xavi placed his faith in the Spaniard ahead of the Brazilian, and it was more or less evident that the South American was going to be shipped out the same summer Guiu left the club.

Moreover, moving to Chelsea in search of game time makes even less sense considering how stacked Enzo Maresca’s side is in the forward areas. A seasoned champion like Sterling has been banished from first-team training, which shows there is almost no room for a young striker to get regular minutes.

There is only one place to go from Barcelona, and that is backwards. Sooner or later, Guiu is likely to realise that he made a mistake.