He was an indispensable pillar in Xavi's Barça. He was also the fury of the current Spanish national team. The injury came, and Hansi Flick and everything was over.
For Gavi, the times of plenty are over. He is living in a time of scarcity; his return after the injury has not been as happy as he expected. Now he is bench material.
Flick Doesn't Want Him on the Bench
He received the Bravo Award (Golden Boy Under 21) and was already considered one of the best footballers in the world, barely reaching 20 years old.
He broke his knee playing with Spain. A year blank, and nothing has been the same. Flick was waiting for him with open arms; there is even a special feeling between them, but the German doesn't commit to anyone.
Not even with Gavi, with whom he probably shares more concerns from the bench than with any other player.
He is no longer drafted with the national team, and at Barça, Dani Olmo takes his place. He starts the matches on the bench and, at most, can aspire to play garbage minutes.
He is not the first option in rotations, nor the second, nor the third. Ahead of him are Pedri and Frenkie De Jong in the pivot. And Dani Olmo ahead.
But before him, there are also Fermín and Casadó. Flick also suffers for him. He can't have such a talent vegetating on the bench.
He Only Has One Speed
Therefore, he has discussed it with Deco and the player himself. The best thing is a change of scenery. If it can't be as a transfer, then as a loan with an option to return, but Gavi needs a different environment.
It's not just that he's no longer in the coach's starting eleven. He is also not the first substitute. Flick has already explained to him why he is not in his plans.
On one hand, he doesn't see him fully recovered from his injury; he lacks competitive rhythm. On the other hand, he criticizes his inability to change his own pace according to circumstances.
He only has one speed, and it's always high-revving.Flick would also like to see a calm and composed Gavi who doesn't necessarily go for the clash.
Referees Have His Number
Derived from this second issue is something that is evident to Flick. Referees have his number and go out to officiate with the card ready in their pocket to show it to him.
That also conditions his line-ups. When Gavi sees a card in the tenth minute, he is forced to substitute him at halftime before he sees red.
All these issues are compounded by the fact that he is expendable because high-level footballers already play in his position like Pedri, Olmo, Fermín, Casadó, or Frenkie De Jong.
It will be Hansi Flick's most painful decision, but it is already made. Gavi knows it.