Benched and Furious: Barcelona’s No. 10 Ansu Fati Shows Frustration After Another Snub from Manager

In a dramatic turn of events during Barcelona's narrow 4-3 victory over Celta Vigo on April 20th, Ansu Fati made his discontent with Julian Nagelsmann clear, and his frustration could no longer be hidden. With another game passing by and no minutes given on the pitch, Fati—dressed in his No. 10 shirt—displayed an outburst that was far from the silent resignation we’ve seen from the young star in recent months. As the match wore on, Fati found himself once again relegated to the bench, even though he was seen warming up for what many believed was a chance to prove himself.

However, in the 59th minute, Carlos Olmo and Lamine Yamal were introduced, followed by Gavi in the 78th minute as a replacement for the injured Robert Lewandowski. By the 87th minute, when Eric Garcia and Pau Victor entered the field, Fati’s hopes of making a cameo had vanished entirely. Nagelsmann had used up all of his substitutions, leaving Fati to seethe on the bench. Unable to hide his frustration any longer, the 21-year-old threw his bib to the ground and kicked a water bottle holder, visibly upset as he returned to his seat.

This is not the first time that Fati has expressed his dissatisfaction, but it was one of the clearest signals that his time at Barcelona under Nagelsmann might be running out. Despite his significant potential and once-promising future at the club, the lack of playing time has clearly taken its toll on the Spanish forward, who now finds himself on the outside looking in.

A Season of Little Opportunity

As the 2024-2025 season progresses, it has become increasingly apparent that Fati is far from being a part of Nagelsmann's plans. Across all competitions, he has featured just nine times, accumulating a mere 191 minutes of play. In La Liga, he has made only four appearances for a total of 125 minutes. His Champions League appearances have been even more limited, with only four appearances adding up to 38 minutes. In total, the player who was once seen as one of the brightest young talents in world football has barely been given the chance to prove himself in a season that many believed would be his breakthrough year.

This lack of playing time is in stark contrast to Fati's earlier years at Barcelona, where he was regarded as one of the club's most exciting prospects. Now, under Nagelsmann, the forward has been benched more often than not, and his role within the squad has grown increasingly diminished. In fact, Fati has spent as much time watching from the stands as he has on the pitch, and with each passing week, his frustration has only intensified.

The Relationship with Nagelsmann

The tension between Fati and Nagelsmann has been mounting for months. According to reports from Marca, Nagelsmann's attitude toward Fati has not changed, and the young forward has not been given the opportunities he believes he deserves. Despite his obvious desire to feature, Nagelsmann has continually overlooked him in favor of other options. This disregard for Fati's potential has not gone unnoticed by the player, and his dissatisfaction with the situation has boiled over in recent weeks.

One particularly telling moment occurred earlier in the season when Nagelsmann reportedly told Fati and his representatives that it might be best for him to find a new club if he wanted to get regular playing time. While Fati remained resolute in his decision to stay at Barcelona, it’s clear that the club’s treatment of him has not been ideal. In January, Nagelsmann and his coaching staff informed Fati that his future at Barcelona was uncertain, and that a transfer might be his best option. However, Fati, determined to fight for his place, chose to stay and try to work his way back into the team.

This decision now seems to have been a mistake. As time has passed, it has become increasingly evident that Nagelsmann has little faith in Fati, and the player’s continued frustration has become impossible to ignore. The situation between the two has reached a boiling point, with Fati reportedly feeling that he has given his all in training and has been let down by the coach.

The Disappointment of a Promising Talent

It’s hard not to feel sympathy for Fati, who once represented the future of Barcelona. When he burst onto the scene as a teenager, the world saw him as one of the most gifted young talents in world football. His ability to dribble, his pace, and his eye for goal made him an invaluable asset for Barcelona. But despite his potential, the inconsistency of his performances, coupled with injuries and now the mismanagement by his coach, have prevented him from truly fulfilling that promise.

For a player of Fati's caliber, it is agonizing to be sidelined in such a manner. He’s not just another squad player or fringe figure; he is the player who, just a few years ago, seemed to be the natural heir to the attacking roles at Barcelona. Yet, in the shadow of an ever-changing squad and with Nagelsmann calling the shots, Fati has been sidelined to an almost unthinkable degree. The emotional outburst against the water bottle holder at the weekend wasn’t just a moment of frustration—it was a reflection of a much deeper issue that has been building for months.

What Does the Future Hold for Fati?

As the season progresses, the question remains: what does the future hold for Fati? According to reports from Marca, Barcelona's management is aware of the discontent surrounding the player, but they are not expected to address the issue until the end of the season. In all likelihood, Fati will be leaving the club in the near future, but whether it will be via a transfer or loan remains to be seen.

There’s no question that many clubs will be interested in Fati, especially given his age, talent, and the fact that he will likely be available for a reasonable price—particularly if Barcelona opts to sell him. Clubs in England, Italy, and Spain will surely be lining up to offer Fati the chance to revive his career at a club that can offer him the playing time he craves. However, the young forward will need to carefully consider his options, as this next move will be critical to the trajectory of his career.

For Barcelona, the decision will be just as difficult. The club still believes in Fati's potential, but they must also weigh his future within the team against the possibility of bringing in new players who can contribute immediately. The La Liga giants are reportedly willing to let Fati leave for free if necessary, but there are also whispers that they may be open to loaning him out, especially if it means recouping some of his substantial salary.

A Talent Wasted?

In the end, Ansu Fati’s story at Barcelona may be a sad reminder of how quickly things can change in football. The talented young forward who was once seen as the future of the club now finds himself a shadow of that potential, and with Nagelsmann still at the helm, it’s hard to imagine his situation improving.

The question of Fati’s future may seem straightforward to some—he simply needs to leave Barcelona and find a new club where he can play regularly. But it’s not that simple. The emotional investment he has in Barcelona, a club he has been with since his youth, makes this decision all the more difficult. For now, though, the young star’s future remains uncertain, and the end of his time at Barcelona could be more abrupt than anyone anticipated.