REVEALED: Why Barcelona boss Hansi Flick fears the worst after Yamal clash

Suraj Radia

3 Sept 2025 21:00 BST
4 min read

Barcelona Champions League Lamine Yamal Hansi Flick — © IMAGO

La Liga champions Barcelona are already facing turmoil following an unconvincing start to the season which has seen manager Hansi Flick and star youngster Lamine Yamal have a public disagreement.

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Barca have won two of their opening three La Liga games this season, although they could only follow their narrow comeback 3-2 win over Levante with a 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano.

Despite Barca keeping hold of their key players during the summer and signing goalkeeper Joan Garcia as well as Marcus Rashford on loan, Flick raised concerns about the ‘egos’ in his team which he feels is holding his side back already.

But Yamal denied his coach’s claims and refused to get carried away by one negative result, saying: “Everyone thinks what they want. After a draw, you get angry, in the end, you have to win, but I don't think it has anything to do (with egos).

“We got seven points out of nine in very difficult stadiums, which people don't take into account. We haven't played at home yet, only away. I don't think it has anything to do with it, it's just that it wasn't our game, we didn't start with the same intensity that we finished with.

“You're right, we made a lot of mistakes, but that can happen. We have to get back to our level as quickly as possible and be ready for the next game.”

Flick locks Barca players in dressing room as tensions rise

In spite of Yamal’s optimism, Flick is said to be fearing the worst, according to multiple reports in Spain, particularly due to the international break which will see him unable to coach his players for two weeks.

© IMAGO - Hansi Flick led Barcelona to the La Liga title last season.

Barca’s players were locked in Rayo’s dressing room for 20 minutes after the 1-1 draw, with Flick determined to get his message across and get his stars to become more united to build on their successes of last season.

"Last year we played and worked as a team, and the most important thing is to avoid egos, because that's what kills the team's success ," he said.

"I've talked about today's situation with the players because most of them are going to their national teams. And it needs to be said."