Barcelona’s season has entered a hectic stretch, with key fixtures in both La Liga and the Champions League piling up on the calendar.
Hansi Flick has been under pressure to balance the development of young talent with maintaining results as the club fights to reclaim domestic dominance.
The Catalan side have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly from their emerging stars, but consistency remains an ongoing challenge.
With upcoming matches against Girona and Olympiacos, squad management has become a central talking point for both fans and media.
Questions about player discipline and selection continue to dominate headlines, especially when teenage talents are involved.
One such star, Lamine Yamal, recently found himself at the centre of transfer and team news speculation.
Reports had emerged suggesting that Flick wanted to bench the 18-year-old during Barcelona’s high-profile clash with Paris Saint-Germain, only for club legend Deco to allegedly intervene and ensure Lamine Yamal featured despite being late to a team meeting before the game.
Flick addressed the speculation head-on during a press conference on Friday, refusing to entertain the rumours. “I’d like to know where you’re getting that rumor from.
“It’s bullsh*t. It’s not true,” he told reporters.
“At this club, with Deco and the rest of the professionals, I have a real relationship.
“I believe in my work. I have confidence, and they wouldn’t ask us for that.
“It’s a rubbish rumor. Whoever said it lied.”
The German coach also took the opportunity to comment on Yamal’s professionalism, emphasising his focus during training and dismissing concerns about his private life.
“For me, the most important thing is that when he trains, he tries very hard,” Flick added.
“That he has a good attitude and does it well.
“He had a few days of celebration because he trained a lot, professionally. I will not meddle in his private life.”
The clarification comes ahead of Barcelona’s clash with Girona in La Liga today, followed by a crucial Champions League tie against Olympiacos, where the young winger is expected to play a key role.
The teenager recently made headlines for a brief heated exchange with manager Hansi Flick during training as well.
Flick’s comments underline his trust in both his staff and the club’s rising stars, while firmly shutting down any suggestions of internal disputes.
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