The small 'fire' that Hansi Flick put out in time

FC Barcelona's 7-0 thrashing of Valladolid could have left Héctor Fort somewhat 'touched'. The full-back, an important piece for Xavi Hernández in the second half of last season, is currently the only player registered in LaLiga who has not made his official debut in 2024/25, although Hansi Flick has managed to rotate in almost all positions given the demanding league schedule. 

In this sense, the Heidelberg native, always attentive to details, took the opportunity to have a brief chat with the defender after the end of the clash against Valladolid. The 'DAZN' cameras captured the coach speaking amicably with the Catalan player, perhaps encouraging him after another day without taking the field. Jules Koundé has added all the possible minutes on the right side, leaving the '32' without options until now. On the left, Alejandro Balde and Gerard Martín have done their homework at the start of the season.

Flick qui s’excuse auprès d’Hector Fort parce qu’il lui a pas donné de minutes 🥹 un vrai coach qui fait les vrais choses pic.twitter.com/KmYdORTeQD

— 𝐀𝐁𝐃𝐎𝐔 🇲🇦🇳🇱 (@MarshallFCB) August 31, 2024

Sergi Domínguez and Pablo Torre, the latest to make their debut with Barça

Those who did have the chance to add their first minutes of the season during the exhibition against the 'blanquivioleta' team were Sergi Domínguez and Pablo Torre. The centre-back came on for Pau Cubarsí in the 61st minute, while the midfielder did the same, replacing Dani Olmo in the 83rd minute, just after the goal scored by the Terrassa native. For the Cantabrian, it was his return to LaLiga as a culé after a season on loan at Girona. 

For the defender, on the other hand, it was his debut as a Barça professional, being the fourth youth player to debut in 2024/25 under the orders of Hansi Flick. Previously, on matchday 1 against Valencia, Marc Bernal, Gerard Martín and Pau Víctor had had their 'baptism' in the tournament. After the first international break, at Montilivi against Girona, Héctor Fort's first big opportunity could come in 24/25, especially considering that his Champions League debut is coming up next week.