Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed that the warm welcome given to Gavi gave him goosebumps, as the midfielder made his comeback from an 11-month injury hiatus during Sunday’s 5-1 victory over Sevilla in LaLiga.
Gavi had been sidelined since tearing his ACL while representing Spain last November, but he came off the bench for the last 10 minutes of the match against Sevilla at the Olympic Stadium.
At just 20 years old, he replaced Pedri and took on the captain's armband, receiving an incredible ovation from the Barcelona fans upon his return to the field.
"I am happy for this result and especially for Gavi," Flick remarked during a press conference. "It's really amazing when you see the atmosphere in the stadium and the fans. It was goosebumps, unbelievable, and I like this.
"Any concerns about how Gavi's intense playing style might be affected by his injury were quickly laid to rest as he immediately engaged in challenges upon entering the game.
"The intensity he brought to the match when he came in was good," Flick noted. "But it'snormal; it's his way to play. Sometimes it's okay to be a bit calmer, but that’s not his style.
"Gavi expressed his joy at returning to action, thanking his teammates and fans for their support and stating that his time away from the pitch has helped him appreciate his opportunities even more.
"I have been dreaming about this for many months, and I am grateful to my teammates who made the process easier for me," he told reporters.
"The hardest thing is not playing, watching from the outside. It's frustrating and tough. You have to enjoy every moment, and [time out] allows you to value the things you have. I feel fortunate to be back.
"I missed playing football the most; this is my life, it is what I have always done. When all the fans and your teammates appreciate you and give you that reception, you feel very lucky."
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is facing mounting pressure following a series of disappointing results, including early exits from both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, and a slump to 14th place in the Premier League.
Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara has been vocal about his dissatisfaction, stating, "It's time to go. Postecoglou is out of his depth at this level."
In light of these challenges, speculation has intensified regarding potential successors.
According to reports, Andoni Iraola and Thomas Frank are leading candidates to replace Postecoglou, both listed at 4/1 odds.
Former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is also in consideration.
Despite the mounting pressure, Postecoglou remains focused on his role, acknowledging the difficulties but expressing determination to improve the team's fortunes.
He remarked, "It's a tough moment, but we are working hard to turn things around."