Flick’s Two-Condition Plan to Unlock More Minutes for Barça’s Rising Star

Two Conditions to Earn More Minutes

Bernal has shown improvement recently.

A Spanish report details the conditions coach Hans Flick has set for the young midfielder Mark Bernal to earn more playing time. Flick believes Bernal has clear talent but needs more consistency, focusing on two areas: first, raising physical readiness to match the pace of big matches, especially after returning from injury.

The second is about speed of play: Flick wants Bernal to pass the ball faster, avoid holding it or over-advancing, and rely on quicker touches and simpler decisions inside the pitch.

The paper notes Bernal’s improvement has been noticeable and he left an impact in the Champions League clash with Copenhagen, but the staff will continue to manage his minutes gradually to keep him sharp and fit.

Punchlines: If Bernal earns more minutes, we’ll finally see him sprint from the tunnel to the pitch—no more warm-up calculators. Barça’s bench is so patient it could start charging rent.