Marc Bernal has expressed heartfelt appreciation for Hansi Flick's guidance at Barcelona, crediting the German tactician with transforming his career after a serious injury derailed his early development. The 18-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of La Liga's brightest prospects this season, accumulating 21 league appearances and three goal contributions following his recovery from a devastating cruciate ligament injury.
Speaking to Catalunya Radio, Bernal revealed he is deliberately avoiding summer holiday plans while awaiting an official announcement on his potential inclusion in Spain's squad for the upcoming World Cup. With midfielder Fermin Lopez sidelined by a broken leg, the teenager senses an opportunity to earn his senior international debut under coach Luis de la Fuente. "Of course I'd like to go, representing a country is the ultimate for a footballer," Bernal said. "At the moment I'm not making any plans for the summer, for now I just have to wait it out."
Flick's Trust Shaped Bernal's Rise
The young defensive midfielder has reserved special praise for Flick, who handed him his senior debut at just 17 years old before carefully managing his return to full fitness. "I owe him my life," Bernal reflected. "He trusted me when I was only 17, and I will always be grateful to him." This backing proved crucial during a vulnerable period when many observers questioned whether the Berga-born starlet could fully recover from his injury. Flick's confidence accelerated his integration into Barcelona's midfield, with Bernal securing a regular starting position from February onwards following Frenkie de Jong's absence.
Barcelona's domestic dominance this season, secured through back-to-back La Liga titles, has provided the perfect platform for Bernal's development. The club will bid farewell to Robert Lewandowski this summer, but Bernal acknowledged the Polish striker's immense contribution during his Barcelona tenure. "He has helped Barca a lot to win titles again. He is a legend and we will always be grateful to him," Bernal said, reflecting on Lewandowski's 36-goal haul across two seasons.
Looking forward, Bernal remains focused on continuing Barcelona's trophy-hunting ambitions despite their Champions League quarter-final exit against Atletico Madrid. "To keep winning titles, that's what makes you feel best," he explained. "The Champions League slipped through our fingers due to small details in a high-level tie, but next year we're aiming for more." Spain's World Cup campaign begins on June 15 against Cape Verde, with further group-stage matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. A successful tournament would mark La Roja's second world title since their dominant 2010 triumph.
