Lamine Yamal Fires Back at Hansi Flick's 'Ego' Warning
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal dismissed the importance of Hansi Flick's remarks about "egos" following their failure to secure victory against Rayo Vallecano in their most recent La Liga fixture.
This marked their first disappointment of the 2025–26 campaign after consecutive victories over Mallorca and Levante. Flick responded to the outcome by cautioning that egos "destroy success", referencing how last season's remarkable domestic treble was built on teamwork and unity.
Currently representing Spain on international duty, Yamal suggested Flick's statements were simply made in the heat of the moment.
"Everyone is entitled to their perspective. Following a draw, emotions run high because ultimately, victory is the goal. However, I don't believe it relates to [egos]. We've secured seven points from nine available at challenging venues," Yamal informed Spanish network RTVE.
"We haven't competed at our home ground yet. I don't think it concerns [egos] but rather we were off our game. We didn't begin with proper intensity. It's accurate that we committed numerous errors, but these things occur. We simply need to regain our form quickly and prepare for our upcoming match."
Yamal made his first-team Barcelona appearance at just 15 years old, and was merely 16 when he became a global sensation. Now 18 as of July, he's barely emerged from adolescence yet lives under constant worldwide scrutiny. Yamal has encountered increasing claims of cockiness in recent months and received criticism for his birthday celebration choices.
"I've come to understand that every aspect of my life will be discussed, and frequently, fabricated because things have [allegedly] occurred in my life that I was unaware of," he explained.
"It doesn't concern me greatly. Ultimately, as I mentioned when I signed my new deal, whether positive or negative, I only heed my inner circle. They're the ones who genuinely understand the situation and what's important. I stay on my journey, I maintain my mindset, which I believe has led me to this point."