Hansi Flick blows up story about special treatment for Lamine Yamal from Deco and club – ‘It’s bulls***’ | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has given a fiery response to a story of special treatment afforded to Lamine Yamal in recent weeks. The 18-year-old forward has appeared just twice in the last six weeks, the second time playing 90 minutes against Paris Saint-Germain, since which he has not been seen.

Lamine Yamal has been absent since the September international break with a groin problem, which Flick said that he aggravated while on Spain duty at the time. The teenage forward played the final half hour of their clash against Real Sociedad on the 28th of September, and then played 90 minutes against PSG three days later, but missed their defeat to Sevilla and Spain’s matches due to a relapse of the injury.

Lamine Yamal reportedly received special treatment from club

It was reported by Cadena SER this week that Lamine Yamal was not due to play against PSG, after arriving late to a team meeting. Flick, as is customary, intended to drop Lamine Yamal as a disciplinary measure, as has happened previously with Jules Kounde and Inaki Pena. However Deco and the club, according to the report, intervened and ensured that Flick changed his mind.

Lamine Yamal’s groin issues continue. Image via EFE

Hansi Flick blows up Lamine Yamal story

However when Flick was asked about this report, the German manager could not have been more blunt with his response.

“I’d like to know where you are getting this rumour from. It’s bulls***. I’m sorry for using this word, but that’s what it is. Neither Deco nor anyone at the club has ever said anything to me. They have a lot of trust in my work and would never ask anything like this of me. It’s rubbish. I have nothing to hide. If anyone said this, they’re lying.”

Flick was also asked about Lamine Yamal’s lifestyle off the pitch, and whether it could be providing a distraction for him as part of his increased celebrity status.

“For me, the important thing is that he puts in the effort and has a good attitude when he is here, and when he is training. And this is all perfect. After his injury, he trained hard and had two days off. It’s his private life, it’s his decision what he does, and I won’t interfere. I can’t control it, and each to their own. “