Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has dismissed rumours of a rift with wonderkid Lamine Yamal, effectively putting reports of a behind-the-scenes dispute to bed.
Spanish outlets had suggested tension between Flick and sporting director Deco after claims that the German coach wanted to discipline Yamal for arriving late to a team meeting before the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
According to those reports, Deco allegedly stepped in to prevent Flick from dropping the teenager from the starting lineup.
However, Flick was quick to pour cold water on the speculation, as he denied any fallout within the Barcelona camp and insisted there was no truth to the story.
“I’d like to know where this rumor came from,” Flick said. “Sorry about the word, but it’s totally bulls—.
“In this club, and with Deco, I really appreciate a lot how they believe in our work. We have the whole confidence and they would never ask this. I can say it’s bulls— and I have nothing to hide because this is not true. If someone said this, he’s lying.”
Yamal’s life off the pitch has come under intense scrutiny in recent months but Flick insists the 17-year-old is always professional with his responsibilities at the club and that’s all that matters.
“For me, the most important thing is that when he’s here he works hard,” the boss continued. “All of this is perfect. He’s very professional. On his days off, it’s his private life. I don’t interfere with that. It’s his life.”
Yamal recently returned from a groin injury and is available for Barcelona, who host Girona on Saturday as they look to bounce back from that heavy defeat to Sevilla just before the international break.
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