Barcelona manager faces scrutiny in Egypt over Hamza Abdelkarim’s lack of prominence

Barcelona manager faces scrutiny in Egypt over Hamza Abdelkarim’s lack of prominence Hamza Abdelkarim’s pathway into Barcelona’s first team is becoming a talking point in Egypt, with the young striker’s reduced involvement under Hansi Flick prompting questions about whether his development is progressing as expected.  Despite impressing during pre-season, where he scored four goals, the Egyptian forward has found himself back with Barça Atlètic as competition for attacking places intensifies . The situation has created a debate about what constitutes the best next step for a prospect still adapting to Barcelona’s demands: exposure to Flick’s senior squad or consistent football with the reserve side. Why Abdelkarim has struggled to secure a spot Abdelkarim finished pre-season as Barcelona’s leading scorer, raising expectations about how quickly he might move closer to first-team involvement.  However, the beginning of the competitive campaign brought a change in his situation, with the striker assigned to Barça Atlètic rather than becoming a regular option for Flick. As a result, the Egyptian press has increasingly scrutinised that decision.  Flick is facing scrutiny in Egypt over Hamza Abdelkarim’s lack of prominence. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) According to SPORT , Al Jazeera examined whether returning to the reserve team should be viewed as a setback or a necessary stage in the youngster’s development.  Its assessment highlighted the importance of regular playing time, suggesting that meaningful minutes with Barça Atlètic could serve him better than limited appearances around the senior squad. Egyptian media urge patience with Hansi Flick The criticism surrounding Flick is not new. In early September, Goal Arabia published an article with the headline “Flick isn’t targeting Hamza Abdelkarim.”   Journalist Ali Rifat questioned the criticism directed at the Barcelona coach by some Egyptian supporters, arguing for patience with a player whose development remains a work in progress. Notably, the underlying issue is the gap between expectation and opportunity.  A productive pre-season can raise hopes, but it does not automatically guarantee a place in a competitive first team.  Hamza Abdelkarim has rarely played under Hansi Flick this season. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Barcelona’s attacking options and the emergence of other players have made that transition more difficult for Abdelkarim. Barcelona’s long-term commitment offers a clearer signal Barcelona’s decision to extend Abdelkarim’s contract until 2030 and raise his release clause to €150 million indicates that the club continues to value his potential.  Those terms do not guarantee a first-team breakthrough, but they suggest that his current absence from Flick’s regular plans should not automatically be interpreted as a loss of confidence. There have also been signs that Abdelkarim remains within the club’s sporting picture. He scored for Barça Atlètic recently and was subsequently included in the travelling squad for the European trip to face Paris Saint-Germain. For now, however, the more important measure of progress may be whether he can turn reserve team opportunities into consistent performances.  Barcelona appear willing to give him time, but the scrutiny in Egypt is unlikely to fade until his pathway towards senior football becomes clearer.