Flick erupts: “Bulls—” a rumor about Yamal at Barça

Hansi Flick denies pressure in Lamine Yamal’s lineup

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has strongly denied reports suggesting he was forced to field Lamine Yamal in the Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain. Flick called the information “nonsense.” According to reports, Yamal arrived late to an activation session before the match. Flick, known for his discipline, had already left out Raphinha and Marcus Rashford for similar infractions this season. However, it was speculated that the management intervened to force the inclusion of the young player.

I am annoyed by the word, but it’s totally nonsense. Never, never [would do that]. Also, in this club, with Deco and the club, I really appreciate how they believe in our work. We have confidence and they would never ask for this. I can say it’s nonsense and I have nothing to hide because if someone said this, they would be lying.

Hansi Flick

Yamal’s appearance against PSG is the only start he has had with Barça since August due to a groin injury that has caused him to miss seven matches with the club and the national team. Despite the defeat, Flick has confirmed that Yamal is ready to play “some minutes” on Saturday against Girona. In addition, Fermín López is also available to return. The Blaugrana team faces a complicated situation with the absence of several key attackers, including Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, and Raphinha. Flick has highlighted the need to find solutions and give opportunities to players from La Masia. After the match against Girona, Barcelona will face Olympiacos in the Champions League and Real Madrid in the first Clásico of the season, for which Raphinha is expected to have recovered. Torres is also expected to be back for the Clásico, but Olmo and Lewandowski, along with Gavi and goalkeepers Joan García and Marc-André ter Stegen, are still not ready to return. Given this situation, young talents like Roony Bardghji, Toni Fernández and Dro Fernández could be considered by Flick. Flick has emphasized the importance of improving the team’s attitude and mentality. “We have to start every game with this attitude. We want to fight for every title. This season we have to start again. The break is good. It is also a good opportunity for other players, young players or players who haven’t played many minutes,” declared the coach. Regarding LaLiga’s decision to move the match against Villarreal to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on December 20, Flick expressed his discontent. The team will have to travel to the United States, return to Barcelona to face Espanyol, and then travel to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup. “I can understand why the players are not happy, I am not happy, but in the end it’s LaLiga,” said Flick. “They decide to play this match and we have to play. For me, of course, we have a Christmas break, between the [Miami match] and then the first match against Espanyol, and then we fly to Saudi Arabia. It is like that. We know the situation and we respect it.”