After dominating Como in the Joan Gamper Trophy… Hansi Flick drops a bombshell: Expelling a Barcelona star from the starting lineup!

Barcelona’s clash with Como in the Joan Gamper Trophy was more than just a friendly—it was a statement. Fresh from a successful Asian tour where the Blaugrana impressed with fluid attacking play and defensive solidity, Hansi Flick’s men delivered a resounding 5-0 win at the Olympic Stadium. It was the kind of performance that lifted spirits, reaffirmed pre-season optimism, and showcased the squad’s depth ahead of a demanding campaign.

From the opening whistle, Barcelona’s control of the match was absolute. The passing was crisp, the movement relentless, and the goals came in waves. Fans in attendance had every reason to feel excited about the months ahead, especially with several new signings making strong impressions. The scoreline suggested everything was perfect—but beneath the celebration, there was a brewing concern that Flick could not ignore.

That concern centered on Ronnie Bardji, the young talent once hailed as a future star at Camp Nou. His early days in Barcelona colours were electric—fearless dribbles, thunderous strikes, and a swagger that hinted at greatness. But in recent months, his spark has dimmed. Against Como, despite the team’s dominance, Bardji struggled to influence the game, failing to create danger or inject urgency into the attack.

Flick’s coaching philosophy is built on discipline, work rate, and consistent performance levels. And with competition for places intensifying—particularly in Bardji’s position—patience is wearing thin. Lamine Yamal, still only a teenager, has surged ahead in the pecking order with dazzling displays in pre-season. His hunger, creativity, and decision-making have impressed both fans and coaching staff, making him the clear frontrunner to start.

Bardji’s decline is particularly surprising given his transfer history. Signed in a high-profile €2 million deal that captured headlines, the expectation was for him to become a long-term fixture in the squad. But now, just over a year later, whispers of a potential exit are growing louder. Flick, in his post-match remarks, made it clear that no player—no matter their potential—would be guaranteed minutes without earning them.

The German tactician is reportedly considering a loan move for Bardji, believing that a spell away from the high-pressure environment of Barcelona could reignite his form. Playing for a mid-table La Liga side could give him the chance to rebuild confidence, work on his game, and return to Camp Nou stronger and more mature.

Behind closed doors, discussions are ongoing. The technical staff sees merit in giving Bardji time to develop elsewhere, while also freeing up space for younger, hungrier talents to emerge. The player’s representatives are understood to be exploring options, with interest already emerging from clubs in Spain’s top division.

The decision, however, is not purely tactical—it is also strategic. With Barcelona juggling a packed fixture list across multiple competitions, Flick needs every player in the squad to be operating at full capacity. Carrying underperforming players risks disrupting momentum and team chemistry, especially in a season where margins for success and failure will be razor-thin.

For Bardji, the next few weeks will be career-defining. A loan move could be the lifeline that saves his Barcelona future, but another season on the fringes might push him towards a permanent exit. Flick’s stance is uncompromising—only those proving themselves week in and week out will wear the shirt in the biggest matches.

Barcelona’s emphatic win over Como may have been a celebration of attacking brilliance, but it also served as a reminder of the ruthless standards required to thrive at the top. For Ronnie Bardji, it was a warning shot from his manager: talent alone will not guarantee survival in this team. The countdown to his fate has already begun.