The electric match between Barça and Inter Milan (3-3), in the Champions League, has not only offered the show on the field. He was also the scene of a moment of tension between Dani Olmo and his coach Hansi Flick.
As Sport tells, the Spanish attacking midfielder obviously did not appreciate being replaced before the 70th minute, in favor of Fermín López, while Barça was fighting to resume the advantage after a multiple twist match.
A mood gesture when leaving the field
Dani Olmo, tenured alongside De Jong and Pedri in an advanced leading position, had delivered a correct service despite the defensive density imposed by Inter in the center of the field. In 68 minutes, he signed two key passes, displayed a success rate of 88 % in his transmissions, attempted two shots framed, succeeded in two in two, caused three faults and conceded eight ball losses.
Despite the difficulties in finding space, he was able to be dangerous and was even behind the corner which brought the third Barcelona goal, signed Raphinha. But it was at the time of its outlet that the tension broke out. After politely welcoming Fermín López and Hansi Flick, Olmo raised his hand in an explicit gesture of frustration.
Olmo regularly released during the match
Was it a criticism of coaching? Discovery towards his own performance? The gesture leaves little doubt: the player was not satisfied. This is not the first time that the number 20 has experienced this scenario. During the last games, Flick had already released it early: in the 65th minute in the king’s Cup, and in the 62nd against Mallorca.
This rehearsal of early replacements may well have sowed discomfort between the player and his coach. Dani Olmo, who aspires to a more central role in the team, could begin to doubt the confidence that Hansi Flick gives him.
To summarize
During the Barça – Inter (3-3) match, Dani Olmo expressed his frustration after being replaced by Hansi Flick before the 70th minute. Despite a solid performance, this early change, recurring this season, highlighted a possible tension between the player and his coach.