Flick criticizes Spain for Yamal’s injury: “They didn’t take care of him”

Hansi Flick Questions Spain’s Handling of Lamine Yamal

FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has expressed his concern over Lamine Yamal’s physical condition following his participation with the Spanish national team during the international break. Flick accused Spain of not having taken proper care of the young player, who is now doubtful for the next LaLiga match. Yamal, 18 years old, played in the World Cup qualifying matches against Bulgaria and Turkey, despite feeling discomfort in the groin area. This situation will leave him out of the match against Valencia and he is also doubtful for the first Champions League match against Newcastle United.

Lamine went to the selection with pain, didn’t train, had to take painkillers to play, and played 79 and 73 minutes. This is not taking care of the players. Spain has the best team in the world, in every position they are incredibly good. I feel really sad about this situation.

Hansi Flick

Yamal has had a good start to the season with Barça, scoring two goals and providing two assists in the first three LaLiga matches. In addition, he contributed three more assists in his two appearances with Spain. Flick, who previously coached the German national team, suggested that communication with the Spanish coach, Luis de la Fuente, could improve.

I never spoke with De la Fuente. Maybe my Spanish is not good, his English is not good, so that is a problem. Communication could be better.

Hansi Flick

Barcelona will also be without Frenkie de Jong, who suffered an injury while playing with the Netherlands national team. Gavi and Alejandro Balde are also still absent, but the team recovers Marc Bernal, who will be on the bench after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The match against Valencia will be played at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, with a capacity for 6,000 spectators, while the completion of the works at the Spotify Camp Nou is awaited. Also, this will be the first encounter with Thiago Alcántara back in the Barcelona coaching staff.