Marc Casado is enjoying a real rise at Barça this season. Propelled to the position of double pivot since Marc Bernal’s serious knee injury last August, the young Spanish defensive midfielder is also preparing to experience a new milestone in his career: his debut with the Spanish national team.
The former de la Masia was summoned by coach Luis de la Fuente for the November gathering of La Roja. The reigning European champions and winners of the Nations League in 2023 will face Denmark this Friday, before challenging Switzerland next Monday. The opportunity for Casado to talk about the trigger that marked a turning point in his career.
Flick, the coach who launched Casado’s career
Arriving in Catalonia last summer, Hansi Flick took the reins of the club culé and decided to integrate several young talents into the first team, including Casado. While the Blaugranas management considered a loan move for the 21-year-old, the German coach insisted on keeping him, a decision which proved decisive.
“It was during the pre-season with Flick that it clicked for me. I extended because I was told that Flick wanted me in the team, that he wanted to see me, but I must admit that I was already thinking about extending because I always wanted to be linked to Barça. The idea was to go on loan, but they spoke to Flick and he told them he wanted to see me in pre-season and that in theory he was counting on me,” Casado said.
