SPAIN FIRES BACK AT HANSI FLICK, INSISTS YAMAL DIDN’T REPORT INJURY
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By: Sefiu Ajape
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has dismissed claims made by Barcelona coach Hansi Flick over the handling of Lamine Yamal during the recent international break.
Flick had accused Spain of failing to protect the 18-year-old winger, saying the player was forced to feature in World Cup qualifying matches despite nursing pain.
“It’s a pity. He already left here in pain. They gave him painkillers and he played 73 and 79 minutes (against Bulgaria and Turkey). And between matches, he didn’t train. That’s not taking care of the players. Spain has the best players and the best national team, but they haven’t taken care of the players and that’s what I can say. I’m very disappointed,” Flick said during a press conference ahead of Barcelona’s La Liga clash with Valencia.
However, the RFEF has refuted his version of events, stressing that Yamal neither reported any physical discomfort nor showed signs of injury during his time with the national team.
From the Federation’s perspective, “the player did not report any physical problems, nor did Barcelona.” The governing body further confirmed that both national team doctors Claudio Vázquez and Óscar Luis Celada received no communication of any concern.
According to the RFEF, Yamal trained normally with Spain, except for the opening session where he did recovery cycling with Nico Williams after featuring for Barcelona against Rayo Vallecano. He was able to complete all subsequent training sessions without issue.
The Federation also pointed out that Yamal is treated by the same physiotherapist at both Barcelona and the national team — Fernando Galán — who equally did not raise any concerns.
Furthermore, the RFEF noted that images from Spain’s clash with Turkey showed Yamal expressing frustration at being substituted, which, they argue, contradicts Flick’s claims of him struggling physically.
The contrasting accounts have intensified debate ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League tie with Newcastle, for which Yamal remains a doubt due to a groin issue.
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