Hansi Flick sends clear message to Barcelona players with Levante selection

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick proved once again that his treble-winning side will not rest on old reputations.

Against Levante, Flick made bold choices in his starting XI, sending a strong message that every role in the team is up for grabs.

Two decisions stood out the most. Marcus Rashford was given a starting spot on the left wing, forcing Raphinha into a central playmaking role.

Meanwhile, Eric Garcia was preferred at right-back, leaving Jules Kounde on the bench despite his contract renewal being one of the week’s main headlines.

It was not the first time Flick left the Frenchman out, as he had already been replaced in Mallorca, and the German coach felt no reason to change what worked.

Then there is Olmo
Another surprising call involved Dani Olmo, who has been a substitute in both of Barcelona’s opening La Liga matches.