“I said what I said” – Hansi Flick on Spanish Football Federation criticism

The last 48 hours have seen tensions rise between Barcelona and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). The Catalan club were left furious after Lamine Yamal returned from Spain duty with a hip injury that caused him to miss Sunday’s victory over Valencia – and he is also doubtful for Thursday’s Champions League opener against Newcastle United.

Hansi Flick epitomised Barcelona’s feelings on the matter when he spoke to the media on Saturday, although RFEF sources have since denied the claims made by the 55-year-old, who has now had the final word.

Speaking to Movistar+ after the 6-0 win over Valencia on Sunday evening (via Diario AS), Flick was asked about his comments in regards to the RFEF’s handling of the Lamine Yamal.

“I said the words I said and nothing more. Nothing to comment on more.”

Sunday’s match was the first time in Flick’s reign that Barcelona have won a La Liga match without Lamine Yamal, having drawn one and lost two of the three matches that the 18-year-old missed last season – and there was a lot of delight from the Catalans’ head coach about how his side stepped up.

“I’m very happy because the team has shown that we play together as a team, so it didn’t matter. This can always happen, De Jong was not there, Balde was not there… So it is what it is. We have to focus on each game and be ready for each of them.”

It remains to be seen whether Lamine Yamal is able to return for Thursday’s trip to Newcastle, which will be a much more difficult match for Barcelona. However, Flick’s side have shown that they are not reliant on their superstar winger, so regardless, they will be confident of a result at St James’ Park.