Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick, recently shared insights on managing the playing time of two of the club’s brightest young talents, Ansu Fati and Lamine Yamal, during a press conference.

Flick highlighted the importance of giving Fati, a 22-year-old forward, more opportunities on the pitch, commending his dedication in training. “It’s important for Ansu Fati to get minutes, he’s training well, and he deserved to play,” Flick stated, signaling a potential resurgence for the once-celebrated prodigy.

Meanwhile, the coach also made the strategic decision to rest 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, explaining, “It was good for Lamine to rest and also for Ansu Fati to play.”

This move reflects Flick’s careful approach to balancing the development and well-being of his young stars during a demanding season.

Ansu Fati burst onto the scene as a teenager, making history in 2019 when he became La Liga’s youngest scorer and assister in the same match at just 16 years old, during a game against Osasuna.

However, injuries and stiff competition for places have limited his game time in recent years.

Flick has previously acknowledged the difficult position Fati finds himself in, noting in a March 2025 Barca Blaugranes article that other players are ahead in the pecking order, despite Fati’s consistent effort in training sessions.

This latest opportunity could mark a turning point for the young Spaniard as he aims to reclaim his spot in the first team.

On the other hand, Lamine Yamal has been a revelation for Barcelona, playing every minute of every match this season.

However, this intense workload has sparked concerns about potential burnout, especially given the cautionary tale of teammate Pedri, who suffered from overexertion early in his career.

Flick’s decision to rest Yamal underscores the club’s commitment to protecting the teenager’s long-term health while ensuring he remains a key part of their future plans.

As Barcelona navigates a grueling schedule, Flick’s management of these two talents will be crucial to the team’s success.