“He cares about me” – Elche defender reveals what Hansi Flick told him after Barcelona clash | OneFootball

Yesterday’s clash between Barcelona and Elche carried a unique emotional weight for two players, namely, Inaki Pena and Hector Fort. 

The pair, both products of La Masia, lined up against their boyhood club for the first time, now wearing the colours of Elche.

Pena started the match in goal, while Fort came off the bench in the second half, and although the visitors fell 3-1 to Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, the night was filled with nostalgia and mutual respect. 

Speaking after the match, both players shared their feelings, admitting that it was a surreal experience to compete against the club that shaped their careers.

As Fort put it, “It’s the first time in my life that I’ve played against Barça in another shirt.” 

After the final whistle, Fort had a warm exchange with Barcelona coach Hansi Flick. The defender spoke fondly of their conversation, saying, 

“He’s a warm person, he cares about me and he was asking me about the injury I had. He asked me if I was happy at Elche and I appreciate his interest.”

Friendship with Lamine

The 18-year-old also relished facing his close friend Lamine Yamal, another La Masia gem now thriving in Barcelona’s first team. Smiling, Fort said, 

Hector Fort came on as a substitute against Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

“I don’t see Lamine like everyone else. I see him as my friend. We’ve been together for many years, we’ve shared a lot, and I was excited to face him. 

“I don’t think I did too badly. I caught him a bit tired. 

“It always helps to have the extra motivation of playing in front of my fans and my former teammates, but it’s a shame about the result.”

Pena’s return to Barcelona

Meanwhile, for Pena, the night was about more than competition; it was about connection. 

After the match, he was asked about a reunion with Joan Garcia, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Wojciech Szczesny, and Diego Kochen, goalkeepers he trained with daily during his time in Barcelona. 

Reflecting on that, he shared. “I have many friends, but I train with the goalkeepers every day and it was really nice to see them.”

The keeper admitted that wearing another club’s shirt at the Olympic Stadium felt odd, though not entirely unfamiliar. “It’s strange to play here in another jersey,” 

The La Masia duo left the pitch proud of their effort and grateful for the reunion, though disappointed by the scoreline. 

Source: Mundo Deportivo