Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has shed light on his squad rotation choices as the team gears up to face Villarreal in a La Liga showdown. Flick strategically integrated Sergi Dominguez, Gerard Martin, and Pablo Torre into the starting lineup, affording Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, and Marc Casado a well-deserved break. The alterations were made to account for a demanding schedule, with Barcelona set to play against Getafe midweek following a challenging previous match that involved playing with 10 men for 80 minutes against Monaco.

Flick emphasized the normality of such rotations, citing the team's exhaustive efforts in numerous games as the primary reason behind the changes. He specifically praised Sergi Dominguez's significant progress, which surpassed initial expectations and led to his inclusion in the starting XI. The manager commended Dominguez's dedication and improvement since the preseason, acknowledging his deserving spot in the team.

Moreover, Flick took the opportunity to address Lamine Yamal's consistent presence in the starting lineup, marking his ninth appearance of the season for both the club and country. Recognizing Yamal's potential for further growth, the coach highlighted the importance of handling the young talent with care and patience. Flick recommended a cautious approach in managing Yamal's development, advising against excessive praise to maintain a balanced and supportive environment conducive to his progress on the field.