Eusebio Sacristán urges patience for Hamza Abdelkarim after Barça Atlètic goal

Abdelkarim scores as Barça Atlètic stay top

Hamza Abdelkarim dropped down to Barcelona Atlètic this weekend and scored in a 2-1 win for Juliano Belletti’s side that helps keep the Catalans top of the table.

The Egypt international has been with the first team in the early weeks of the campaign but hasn’t seen much game time under Hansi Flick and so the decision was taken for him to drop down a level.

Sacristán: Patience is the key

Former Barcelona player and coach Eusebio Sacristán says the experience will help Abdelkarim and has urged the youngster to remain patient.

"Playing with the reserve team will be another important stage in his growth as a player and, without a doubt, it will be very good for him. The fact that he is in the first team is something very important in his career, because he regularly participates in training and is learning things that will be fundamental for his footballing future, but he also needs to play," he told Erem News.

"He should be calm, as it is Flick who makes the decision to keep him in the first team, and that is also very important for him. Patience is the key."

Abdelkarim will be hoping for more first-team chances this season under Flick and could make the trip to PSG as he has been included in the club’s Champions League squad.

Background: Barcelona confirmed a contract extension for Abdelkarim until 30 June 2030 on 11 September 2026, after he completed a permanent switch in the summer transfer window following a loan from January. Earlier reporting on 28 September 2026 noted Lamine Yamal backing the Egyptian striker to succeed at the club.