Hansi Flick explains Ansu Fati’s surprise start for Barcelona vs Mallorca | OneFootball

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has provided an insight into the reasoning behind Ansu Fati being afforded a starting berth in the club’s latest outing.

The name of wide-man Ansu has of course taken its place centre stage in the headlines in Spain across the evening to date.

This comes after the 22-year-old, out of the blue, was thrust back into Barcelona’s starting XI.

The Blaugrana are set to return to action in short order, hopeful of climbing a full seven points clear of Real Madrid in a home meeting with Mallorca.

Amid a hectic fixture list for his side at present, which includes a Copa del Rey final outing this weekend, Hansi Flick opted to ring the changes for the evening.

It nevertheless came as a surprise, though, when the aforementioned Ansu Fati was, for just the 2nd time this season, included in Barca’s line-up for a La Liga matchup.

Speaking to the media ahead of kick-off at Montjuïc, his decision to recall the Spaniard was in turn put to boss Hansi Flick.

And Barcelona’s headmaster went on to explain:

“Ansu Fati starting? For me, it’s important that all the players are at their best. I think he deserves to play, so my decision was also made right after the Celta game, because it was important… If he plays a good game today, everyone will be happy.”

Conor Laird – GSFN