Anthony Gordon upset Barcelona boss Hansi Flick during the Catalan side's 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday night. The former Newcastle United winger was hooked towards the end of the narrow victory at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, and after walking off slowly once subbed, Flick looked visibly annoyed as he told Gordon to 'hurry up' on his way off, before the ex-Newcastle star quickened his pace.
Substitution Delay Sparks Flick's Frustration
Mundo Deportivo reported: "In the 86th minute, the German brought on Karim Adeyemi in place of Anthony Gordon, whom he had to speak to about the substitution. The Englishman took longer than the Barcelona manager expected, and Flick was visibly displeased with his walk to the byline. Gordon, incredulous, quickened his pace and shook hands with Adeyemi."
The Barcelona coach's frustration is understandable. Starting this season, delaying a substitution carries a penalty. To avoid wasting time, the player being substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds of the substitution board being displayed. Otherwise, the team making the substitution is reduced to ten men, and the player who should be coming on must wait a minute off the field before entering the pitch.
Gordon's Adjustment to Life in Spain
In the build-up to the La Liga clash, Flick had spoken of how Gordon was still getting used to life in Spain. "It's a little bit different I think for him, how we train because it's totally different than he expected I think," Flick told TNT Sports.
"I think, because what he said is after the game, normally, they don't train in Newcastle, so it's totally different than here, but he's doing good. So I'm very happy about his quality, about his impact he has in our team, and no, he's a good guy."
And speaking on adjustments to life at Barca, the winger told Sport: "At Everton, I was fighting relegation for two or three years, which was tough. At Newcastle, we were fighting for maybe the Champions League and to push up the table. And now I'm fighting with Barca for every trophy."
"I've had three very different challenges as far as the teams that I've played for. I really enjoyed all three because they've come with different things. They help you as a person, help you grow. But I think to be competing on every front for every trophy is definitely the most enjoyable."
