Hansi Flick Fires Back at Critics Over Lamine Yamal Injury Concerns

Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente declared he simply "doesn't give a damn" about Hansi Flick's critique regarding his handling of Lamine Yamal.

Flick unleashed criticism at Spanish football authorities (RFEF) following Yamal's return from national team duty, during which he was found to have sustained a groin problem. The Barcelona manager blamed Spain for compelling Yamal to compete despite discomfort and maintained he deserved additional recovery time after securing decisive victories—3–0 versus Bulgaria and 6–0 against Türkiye.

His remarks reportedly puzzled Spanish federation members, who stated they received no concerns about Yamal's physical condition during his national team stint, where he also receives treatment from a physiotherapist specifically assigned to Barcelona squad members.

As Yamal approaches his comeback, De la Fuente dismissed the controversy entirely while encouraging Flick to let it go.

"Right now, in my hometown, at this very moment, I can't recall Flick's words, and frankly I don't care," De la Fuente stated.

Following Wednesday's triumph over Real Oviedo, Flick was questioned about his reaction to De la Fuente's recent jab.

"That's fine," Flick responded curtly. "If that's what he said, it's his viewpoint. I can accept that."

Barcelona remains firm in their commitment to avoid any unwarranted risks regarding Yamal's comeback. The forward has been absent from four matches across all tournaments thus far and might only be ready for bench duty during Sunday's home clash with Real Sociedad.

The expectation is that Yamal will regain complete fitness ahead of the Champions League encounter with Paris Saint-Germain on Oct. 1, merely two days before De la Fuente reveals his Spain roster for the upcoming international window.