Eusebio Sacristan Tells Hamza Abdelkarim to Stay Calm and Trust Flick

Eusebio Sacristan has offered clear guidance to Hamza Abdelkarim, telling the 18-year-old Egyptian striker that reserve-team football is a necessary part of his growth rather than a step backward. The Eusebio Hamza Abdelkarim advice carries weight because it comes from a former Barcelona midfielder who also coached Barça Atletic. His message was reported by Erem News and quoted by Diario SPORT.

From senior call-ups to reserve minutes

Hamza had been part of Barcelona’s first-team conversation after receiving call-ups, but his run with the senior squad paused when he was omitted from the matchday selection against Real Betis. Raphinha had returned to fitness before that game, and Barcelona went on to beat Betis 5-2. Rather than waiting without competitive action, Hamza returned to Barça Atletic.

The move did not leave him idle. He played for the reserve team in a Segunda RFEF match against Utebo and scored in a victory for Barça Atletic. The goal offered a reminder of his scoring ability at a point when his first-team opportunities had briefly narrowed.

Why Eusebio sees the reserve role as a positive

Eusebio’s assessment is straightforward: young players need matches. He said reserve-team football is an important development stage for Hamza, and he described training with the senior squad as beneficial but insufficient on its own. According to Eusebio, training alone does not give a young player everything required to progress.

That view frames Hamza’s return to Barça Atletic as a practical step in his development rather than a setback. The striker continues to train regularly with Hansi Flick’s senior squad, so he remains connected to the first-team environment while getting competitive minutes with the reserves.

Patience and trust in Flick’s decisions

Eusebio also urged Hamza to stay calm and trust Flick’s choices. The Barcelona coach decides the striker’s involvement, and Hamza’s ambition to succeed at the club is clear. His chance is expected to come eventually, but the timing will depend on Flick’s plans.

Barcelona face a familiar balancing act with a young player: first-team exposure can be valuable, yet regular minutes matter. Hamza remains in the first-team conversation, and his goal against Utebo showed why the club is managing his path carefully.