Marc Casado’s journey at Barcelona took a major flip when Hansi Flick, the present supervisor of the membership, determined to dig deeper into the expertise pool of Barça Atletic upon his arrival.
In accordance with SPORT, Flick sought steerage from former Barça Atletic coach Rafa Marquez relating to gamers who not solely had the potential to excel on the prime stage but in addition possessed management qualities that would strengthen the first-team squad.
When Flick arrived at Barcelona, he was handed a difficult activity. With the membership dealing with ongoing monetary struggles, the scope for brand new signings was extremely restricted.
Finally, he needed to flip to the youth system to handle the gaps in his staff. Recognising the significance of utilising homegrown expertise, he and his assistant, Marcus Sorg, spent numerous hours reviewing match footage of reserve gamers.
Nonetheless, it was a dialog with Marquez throughout pre-season preparations that turned a pivotal second in figuring out the appropriate expertise for promotion.
Marquez’s recommendation to Flick
Marc Casado was advised by Rafa Marquez to Hansi Flick. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Photos)
Flick particularly inquired about gamers from Barça Atletic who may step as much as the primary staff and make an instantaneous affect. Marquez didn’t hesitate in his response—he pointed to Marc Casado, the reserve staff’s former captain, because the standout alternative.
Marquez was assured in Casado’s management qualities, capacity to affect the dressing room, and readiness to thrive below strain on the elite stage.
Regardless of being underutilised throughout Xavi’s tenure, Casado, who’s now thought-about Sergio Busquets’ alternative, was given the chance to shine below Flick.
Flick trusted Marquez’s suggestion, and Casado proved his value by changing into an everyday within the beginning XI.
His promotion to the primary staff was not only a testomony to his expertise but in addition to his unwavering dedication and talent to deal with duty.
By June 2024, Casado’s exhausting work paid off when he secured a contract extension till 2028. His rise to prominence below Flick highlighted his position as a pure chief who may adapt to the calls for of top-tier soccer.
Casado’s journey serves as an inspiring instance of how youth growth and belief in homegrown expertise can form Barcelona’s future amidst monetary challenges.