There was a point in the summer when Marc Bernal appeared closer to leaving Barcelona than staying, especially at the time when links to Rodri got strong.
At that point, Hansi Flick and the administration played a vital role in ensuring the player feels valued and is guaranteed an important role in the team – something they have been able to live up to.
While Bernal may not be a starter, he has been a regular presence off the bench with important minutes as a second-fiddle, and it is clear that he is seen as one for the long term.
In a recent interview, the player acknowledged the same and spoke on the entire situation around him and Rodri and even Hansi Flick’s relationship with him.
On Hansi Flick
The player also extensively spoke on his relationship with the manager – Hansi Flick.
“[Our relationship ] is very good. He’s a really approachable guy, and for me, as a player, that says a lot about him.”
“He’s very close to the players and takes the time to speak with us individually.”
On whether he stays in touch with the manager on the phone, the youngster said,
“Yes, I have Flick’s number. He’s sent me messages on a few occasions, like when I got injured.”
“He also messaged me the last time I was called up to the senior national team, asking if everything was going well,” he added.
The player also opened up on the language barrier between him and Flick.
“I barely speak English, and he doesn’t really speak Spanish, so having a proper conversation can be difficult. He might know a little Spanish now, but my English still isn’t good enough!”
“When we need to discuss something important, like the previous match, we have a translator. That makes things much easier,” he added.
“I know I need to improve my English! I’ve been trying to work on it, but there isn’t much time,” he concluded.
On Rodri’s arrival
Finally, Bernal spoke on how he saw Rodri’s arrival, especially considering how the World Cup-winning captain was a direct competitor.
“I saw it in two different ways. On one hand, I was going to have the best defensive midfielder in the world as a teammate. I could learn so much from him and watch him up close.”
“But on the other hand, I knew his arrival would mean fewer minutes for me. The club reassured me when Rodri arrived, and that meant a lot to me,” he added.
He then extended his gratitude to Barcelona for how they kept him positive even though Rodri was arriving.
“They didn’t have to do that. They could’ve just signed him without telling me anything, but they made sure I felt reassured.”
“We get along really well. Honestly, he’s a very easy person to get along with,” he added.
The player also explained how he constantly looked to learn from the veteran superstar.
“I try to watch everything he does and learn from him because he’s a leader in the dressing room.”
“Of course, it’s frustrating because his arrival means I’ll have fewer minutes, but I’m only 19 years old and I still have many years ahead of me,” he added.
On how he has also had reasonable minutes this season, Bernal concluded saying,
“It’s not something I spend the whole day worrying about. I’m not constantly thinking, ‘I’m not playing, I’m not playing.'”
“I’ve also had playing time this season, and I think I’m handling the situation well.”
