Flick explains Gavi decision as Madrid media question Barcelona midfielder’s place

Gavi’s omission from Barcelona’s emphatic victory over Deportivo Alaves has prompted renewed speculation about his role under manager Hansi Flick.

Barcelona responded strongly to successive defeats by Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, securing a convincing win to restore confidence and balance. However, the decision not to use Gavi, even as a substitute, quickly became a talking point in the media.

Catalan newspaper Sport said the result had not stopped some Madrid-based outlets from opening another debate about Flick’s team selection, with Gavi at the centre of the discussion.

The 21-year-old midfielder did not play a single minute against the Basque side, a decision which was used to question Flick’s management of the squad. Sport reported that some Madrid media had moved beyond viewing the omission as a tactical choice and were instead suggesting it could point to tension within Barcelona’s dressing room.

Cadena SER discussed the issue on its Carrusel Deportivo programme, where questions were raised about Gavi’s current position in Flick’s plans.

Speaking on Radio Marca, Miguel Martin Talavera criticised the Barcelona manager directly.

“Given Barcelona’s circumstances this season, there have been plenty of opportunities to give Gavi minutes and help him regain his match rhythm,” he said.

Talavera then offered a stronger interpretation of the situation, adding: “The issue is that Flick does not see him as suitable, and that he does not like him.”

That view implies Flick may have lost confidence in the player, although there is no sufficient evidence to conclude that a personal dispute exists between the two.

From Golden Boy to seventh-choice midfielder?

Cadena SER framed the debate with the question: “What is happening with Gavi? From Golden Boy to seventh midfielder.”

The wording reflects the perceived decline in Gavi’s importance after he had become one of the leading symbols of Barcelona’s emerging generation.

Flick was asked about the decision after the match by Cadena SER journalist Santi Ovalle, who wanted to know why Gavi had not featured in such a comfortable victory.

“We have to make changes, and sometimes the circumstances are not the same as they were before the match,” Flick said. “We had Rodri, Frenkie and Fermin, and there were several changes that had to be made.”

The German’s explanation was entirely focused on footballing considerations. He pointed to the changing demands of a match and the different options available when making substitutions, without expressing a lack of faith in Gavi or suggesting there was a problem between them.

Competition for midfield places at Barcelona remains intense. Rodri, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo and Marc Bernal are all competing for opportunities, leaving Flick with difficult selection decisions each round.

The timing of the discussion has also drawn attention. It emerged immediately after Barcelona had delivered a strong response on the pitch following two painful defeats, yet part of the focus soon shifted towards an unsubstantiated claim of an internal problem.