There was no need to wait long to see that what happened at FC Barcelona with Ansu Fati was neither an exaggeration nor a self-serving invention.
It only took listening to a few sentences from Monaco's current coach, Adi Hütter, to confirm what was already suspected at Camp Nou.
The coach of the Monaco team spoke clearly. He didn't hide what he thinks.
His reflection leaves no room for doubt: Ansu is still the same as when he left Barça through the back door.
A talented player, yes. But without attitude, without willingness, and without commitment to his physical condition.
The words that justify Flick
"We're trying to help him get back in shape little by little. If we push, he risks getting injured."
With these statements, Hütter not only reveals the current situation of the Spanish forward. He also, unknowingly, proves Hansi Flick right.
Barça's coach already explained that Ansu wasn't a player fit for the level required by the first team. Not because he lacks quality. But because he didn't train as he should have.
Because he didn't do his part. It seemed like he thought everything was done just by showing up. Now they've discovered it in Monaco, where they see a significant physical deficit.
Ansu played little last year, true. But it can't be said that he trained too much. Nor that he made an effort to change the dynamic.
Flick reported it. He offered him opportunities but Ansu didn't respond. Now, in Monaco, the script is repeating itself word for word.
A stagnant talent
Ansu Fati's career seems to have entered a loop. Promises, hopes, token minutes, and frustration.
When it's not the knee, it's the muscles. If not, it's the physical preparation.
There's always an excuse. There's always a justification that hides what's obvious.
Fati is where he is on his own merits. Because he hasn't wanted to fight. Because he believed that fame and the number 10 were enough.
Now, in Monaco, he sees that things remain the same. That coaches don't trust him. If he doesn't change, his ceiling will be far from what he dreamed of.
Barça saw it coming
At Camp Nou, they made a difficult decision. Loan him out first. Later, look for a way out for him.
They knew it wasn't a matter of minutes, but of attitude. That as long as he didn't train like a professional, he couldn't demand a spot in the starting eleven.
Flick didn't like Ansu Fati's intensity in training. Now they're blaming him because Fati isn't in shape.
Flick was clear about it from the beginning. Now, Hütter confirms it. Barça was right.
Life remains the same for Ansu. Because he doesn't want it to change.