Barcelona coach Hansi Flick on Friday denied reports of internal divisions at the club and dismissed claims that sporting director Deco pressured him to start Lamine Yamal against Paris St Germain despite the winger’s alleged late arrival to training.
Ahead of Saturday’s La Liga match at home to local rivals Girona, Flick branded the talk as nonsense, asserting his autonomy over team selection and his positive relationship with Deco.
“I don’t know where you got that information, but ultimately, I’m sorry about the choice of words, but it’s complete bullshit, okay?!” Flick said this at a press conference.
«I’ve never, ever been asked that. I really appreciate that they believe in my work. They would never ask me something like that. So I can say it’s nonsense! And if anyone says this, they’re lying.»
Barca, who are two points ahead of leaders Real Madrid, face Girona amid a mounting injury crisis that has left Flick without eight first-team players, including striker Robert Lewandowski, who suffered a torn thigh muscle in Poland.
The Catalans are also missing Dani Olmo, Gavi, Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha, Joan Garcia and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
«I can’t change it. We have to find solutions,» Flick said of the injury problems.
«Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez came back (in training), but they cannot play the full 90 minutes. We may have to call on players from La Masia (Academy). We will see what happens.»
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Despite the setbacks, Flick remained optimistic, especially regarding Raphinha’s return ahead of next week’s El Clasico against Real Madrid.
«Our plan for El Clasico is for (Raphinha) to come back. There were some problems with his recovery, but he is on the right track,» he added.
Flick also defended the 37-year-old Lewandowski and praised the attacker’s commitment to his physical condition.
«Nobody takes better care of his body than Robert. Maybe (Cristiano) Ronaldo, but no one else at this age is at this level. He didn’t even think he was injured playing with Poland. It’s not good for us, but we have to work with that.»
Barcelona go into Saturday’s match under pressure after back-to-back defeats to PSG at home in the Champions League and a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Sevilla in La Liga before the international break. Flick urged his players to show more effort and fight for every ball.
“It’s about attitude and mentality on the field,” he said. «We are Barca. Our fans want to see us fight in every situation. Last season we won three titles, but this is a new season. We have to start now with the same attitude and I think we will fight tomorrow.»
Published on October 17, 2025
