Flick rages at Spain for risking Yamal in easy qualifiers

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has openly criticised Spain’s handling of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal after the winger returned from international duty injured and was ruled out of Sunday’s La Liga clash against Valencia.

The 18-year-old, one of Barcelona’s brightest stars, is sidelined with a groin problem picked up during Spain’s recent 2026 World Cup qualifiers. His absence is a major blow for the Catalan giants as they prepare for a crucial week that includes a Champions League group-stage clash with Newcastle United on Thursday.

Yamal featured heavily for Spain in back-to-back victories over Bulgaria and Turkey, playing 79 minutes in one game and 73 in the other despite nursing pain prior to joining up with the squad. Flick, who took over Barcelona this summer, was left fuming about what he sees as careless player management.

Flick: “This is not taking care of players”

Speaking in a tense press conference on Saturday, Flick expressed his disappointment in Spain’s decision to play Yamal despite his physical condition.

“He will not be available — for me it’s a pity,” Flick said. “He went to the national team with pain, he did not train, he got painkillers for playing. In every match they were three goals (or more) ahead, and he still played 79 and 73 minutes. Between the matches he didn’t train. This is not taking care about players.”

The German tactician argued that Spain could have managed Yamal’s minutes better, especially given the team’s dominant position in both games.

“Spain have the best team in the world, the best players in the world. In every position they are unbelievably good,” Flick continued. “When we want to take care of players, especially young players, it’s important to think long-term. I’m really sad about this situation.”

Flick confirmed that he had exchanged text messages with Spain coach Luis de la Fuente but admitted that communication between the club and the national team needs improvement.

“Maybe it’s my Spanish not being good, maybe his English is not good — but communication could be better,” he added. “I was also a national team coach, and I know how hard this job can be, but we always kept communication with clubs open and clear.”

Barcelona’s injury concerns deepen

Yamal’s absence adds to Barcelona’s growing list of fitness concerns. Frenkie de Jong will also sit out the clash against Valencia, while midfielder Marc Bernal has finally returned to full training after nine months out with a knee injury and is expected to be named in the squad.

Barcelona will host Valencia at the 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium as renovations continue at the iconic Spotify Camp Nou. Flick said the team had discussed the venue switch and were fully focused despite the reduced crowd size.

“I spoke with the players, the captains, and they said it will not affect us,” Flick said. “When we play at the new Camp Nou, 105,000 (capacity), maybe it’s a little bit different to playing at the Johan. But as I said before, it’s not an excuse. Valencia also has to play in this stadium.”

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The game against Valencia is crucial for Barcelona as they aim to maintain their strong start to the La Liga campaign. However, all eyes will be on Yamal’s recovery timeline, with fans and the club desperate to have him fit in time for the midweek Champions League clash.

If Yamal remains unavailable, Flick could be forced to reshuffle his attack — with Ferran Torres or Raphinha likely to take his place on the right wing. It also puts additional pressure on veterans like Robert Lewandowski to deliver as Barcelona chase early-season momentum in both domestic and European competition.