Hansi Flick Left Baffled as Lamine Yamal Erupts Over Shock Substitution
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed confusion over criticism regarding Lamine Yamal's frustrated reaction to being substituted late in Sunday's match against Levante.
In a commanding 3–0 victory, Barcelona's midfield trio delivered all the goals as Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong and replacement Fermín López each found the net to maintain momentum in the La Liga championship chase.
While Yamal's display wasn't poor by any measure, he failed to reach his typically exceptional standards before being taken off in the final moments. The 18-year-old appeared clearly displeased as he exited the pitch, leaving Flick with more queries than explanations regarding the incident.
"What sort of reaction?" Flick countered when questioned by media. "That he's frustrated with his display or something else?
"It's completely normal. If he were satisfied after... for me, what matters most is that we secured victory today.
"Additionally, we have other players who merit playing time and Roony [Bardghji] stepped up. Roony has been training excellently, he's a complete professional. When he entered the game, his response was encouraging to witness. Let's concentrate on that instead."
When pressed further on the matter, Flick continued: "It's a typical response when a player exits and feels dissatisfied. However, this isn't about one individual, it's about the collective. There are other squad members who equally deserve opportunities. The choice has been made, and that concludes it."
Flick Offers Passionate Defense of Yamal
Flick Provides Strong Support for Yamal
As Yamal walked slowly off the pitch, he placed his hand over his mouth while speaking to fellow players and tossed his wrist tape onto the turf, obviously displeased with being removed from the match.
Flick has established himself as a strict manager, willing to impose consequences on any players who don't meet his professional standards. Punctuality seems to be particularly important to Flick, with Jules Koundé having violated these expectations multiple times.
However, he evidently believed Yamal's behavior warranted no additional scrutiny.
"You media create drama from everything Lamine does," Flick chuckled. "If he's annoyed about being taken off, that's simply natural."
Barcelona leadership has previously come to Yamal's defense publicly on several occasions, particularly during the controversy surrounding his 18th birthday festivities. There have been clear efforts to shield him from excessive media attention, with Flick's remarks being another instance of this protection.
Yamal is anticipated to retain his position in Barcelona's starting eleven for next weekend's fixture, when impressive Villarreal visit Camp Nou for a clash that could significantly impact the La Liga title battle.