Following Flick’s unexpected and shocking decision, it appears that some Barcelona players are upset about what transpired at Mestalla. A major issue erupted in the Catalan team’s locker room after Flick overlooked the chance to give a deserved opportunity to a wronged Barcelona star, despite the match being decided early on!

Barcelona secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Valencia at Mestalla, advancing to the Copa del Rey semi-finals in emphatic fashion. Despite the resounding win, tensions are reportedly rising within the squad over coach Hansi Flick’s decisions during the match.

According to the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, a major source of frustration stems from Flick’s handling of substitutions, particularly regarding Pablo Torre. With the match effectively decided by halftime, many expected the young midfielder to get some minutes on the pitch.

However, he remained on the bench for the entire game, despite the team leading 4-0 at the break. This decision left Torre disappointed, as he had hoped for more opportunities to prove himself in a favorable match situation.

Some of Torre’s teammates also questioned the choice to keep key players on the field longer than necessary, believing this game presented the perfect chance to rotate the squad and give fringe players a chance. Many inside the dressing room feel that Torre, who has demonstrated his talent in previous appearances, deserved more playing time.

Adding to the controversy, Lamine Yamal played the full 90 minutes, a move that surprised many given the comfortable lead and his young age—just 17 years old.

With Barcelona in contention across multiple competitions, managing players’ workload is crucial, and some believe Flick should have rested Yamal instead of overexerting him. Meanwhile, Torre, eager for an opportunity, was overlooked entirely.

After the final whistle, Torre appeared visibly frustrated, refraining from celebrating with the same enthusiasm as his teammates. Sources close to the squad suggest he had expected to feature and felt let down by Flick’s decision.

His lack of playing time is becoming an increasing concern within the club, particularly after his return from a loan spell. He had anticipated a more prominent role but has so far struggled to find opportunities under Flick.

Since taking charge, Flick has prioritized young talents like Pau Cubarsí and Yamal, who have delivered strong performances. However, others, including Torre and Héctor Fort, have received limited chances, leading to dissatisfaction within the squad. If Torre continues to be sidelined, he may consider a summer departure in search of regular playing time elsewhere.

For now, Barcelona remains focused on its pursuit of silverware, and Flick stands by his decisions. However, managing the squad’s morale will be crucial. If frustrations persist, this internal conflict could evolve into a bigger issue for the German coach.