Barcelona boss Hansi Flick snaps at false Lamine Yamal rumours

BARCELONA boss Hansi Flick is fuming at claims that young star Lamine Yamal arrived late to their Champions League defeat to Paris Saint Germain.

Yamal started in their 2-1 defeat to the French powerhouses at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on October 1.

Flick said: “The rumour circulating about Lamine arriving late to PSG game is not true, it’s total bulls***.

“Whoever invented that, he is lying.”

The 60-year-old was referring to reports by several Spanish media outlets that he wanted to bench Yamal for arriving late to a meeting, but was overruled by Blaugrana sporting director Deco.

Flick said: “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.

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The German manager has had a track record of dishing out punishments during his tenure, most notably to Raphinha and Marcus Rashford.

The reports appear to suggest favourable treatment towards Yamal, and that there was a “sense of concern” at the club about his recent behaviour.

But Flick quickly rubbished the speculation and jumped to Yamal’s defence, adding: “For me, the most important thing is that when he trains, he tries very hard.

“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.”

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Yamal is the back-to-back winner of the Kopa Trophy and was named the runner-up to Ousmane Dembele in the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

The 18-year-old is currently sidelined with a groin injury, although he has recorded two goals and four assists in the four league matches he has played in this season.

After eight league games, defending champions Barcelona sit second in La Liga on 19 points and trail Real Madrid by two points.

Barcelona host Girona on Saturday afternoon, before welcoming Greek champions Olympiacos in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.