Gavi sends clear message about Barcelona future and playing time | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have been in incredible form since the start of 2025 and are the only unbeaten team in Europe. Their performances have hit new heights and this has seen them in pole position to compete for all trophies.

At the beginning of the year, Barcelona lifted the Spanish Super Cup, beating Athletic Bilbao in the semifinal and Real Madrid in the final. One of the protagonists of that performance was Gavi, who looked incredible and seemed to be returning to his best after an ACL injury.

What this did was earn the Spaniard a starting berth under Hansi Flick, especially with this coinciding with the absence of Dani Olmo due to registration and then fitness issues. Everyone thought this was the start of a run for the Spaniard.

However, Gavi has since seen his performances decline and this coincided with an upturn in form for Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo also returned from injury. Thus, Flick has now made the latter a first-choice starter in his team and this has affected the 20-year-old’s playing time.

Gavi came off the bench against Benfica midweek, replacing Dani Olmo in the second half and he didn’t do much noteworthy during his time on the pitch. After the game, the Spanish international was asked about his situation. Here is what he said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

“I was never upset when I didn’t start… people make up a lot of things, but it’s all lies. I signed a 5-year contract here and I will stick to it, because this is the club of my life. I’m calm, the coach trusts me a lot.”

The La Masia graduate embodies the club’s spirit better than anyone else. He of all people will understand that the midfield axis of Frenkie-Pedri-Olmo has been functioning admirably and that he will have to do better to break into the line-up.

Gavi is returning from a huge ACL injury and it is understandable that he needs time to get back to his best, especially without a pre-season behind him. There is no doubt that the 20-year-old will return to form in due time.

Going forward in this campaign, it must be said that Gavi will get his opportunities as Hansi Flick looks to rotate the squad and keep them fresh for the big games. Who knows, maybe he gets a chance to start against Atletico this weekend and let’s wait and see how it plays out.