Hansi Flick’s tactical decisions in Barcelona’s loss to Chelsea saw Marc Casado overlooked, signaling a decline in his prominence despite team injuries.
Marc Casado, the €30 million-rated Spaniard, continues to lose prominence at FC Barcelona, a trend highlighted by his complete omission from the 3-0 Champions League loss to Chelsea.
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, the Tuesday night defeat was “another indication of Casado losing prominence at Barcelona.”
Manager Hansi Flick had to make important line-up decisions, especially after Ronald Araujo’s red card, but opted not to use the young defensive midfielder.
Even when the game was “crying out for defensive solidity in midfield,” Flick’s substitution choices reflected Casado’s struggles. In the second half, the coach chose Andreas Christensen instead of Casado to replace Fermin Lopez, a decision that shows “how much the young Spaniard is struggling this season.”
However, the report notes that the choice was tactical, as Christensen would give them “more control over aerial duels in midfield,” while Casado, “in that regard, would have been a poor choice.”
This decision reflects a wider trend for Casado. Since Pedri’s injury in El Clasico, Barcelona played five matches—Elche, Bruges, Celta, Athletic Club, and Chelsea. Casado has appeared in only three, completing one match (Elche) and starting once (in the draw at Bruges).
His involvement noticeably dropped since the Belgium fixture, with his only recent minutes coming in the 64th minute against Athletic Club.
Despite this, Flick “still sees the value of having him in the squad,” but it remains to be seen if he will start against Alavés this weekend.