Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick appeared visibly frustrated when asked about reports of internal conflict, dismissing the claims as “b*******.”
Recent reports from Spanish outlet Cadena SER’s EL Larguero suggested that Flick was set to punish star youngster Lamine Yamal for arriving late but was allegedly prevented from doing so by sporting director Deco.
The German manager, however, made clear that the rumors were false, insisting that the atmosphere at Barcelona remains positive, despite the squad being hit by a number of key injuries.
Flick rubbishes rumors of rifts
Ahead of Barca’s La Liga clash with Girona on Saturday (October 18), Flick tackled questions surrounding alleged tensions behind the scenes with Deco.
“I don’t know where you have got that information from, but at the end, I’m sorry about the choice of words, but it’s totally b*******, okay?!” he told reporters.
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“I never, never was asked that. I really appreciate how they [the board] believe in my work. They would never ask me something like this.
“So, I can say it’s b*******! And if someone said this, he’s lying.”
Barca are, however, facing something of an injury crisis, with a number of key players currently sidelined.
The Blaugrana will be without Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Raphinha, Joan Garcia and Marc-Andre ter Stegen for the clash against Girona.
Yamal and Fermin Lopez have encouragingly been passed fit, but Flick suggested neither will be able to feature for the full 90 minutes.
🎙️ Hansi Flick: ❝The injuries hurt us, but we have to manage the situation well. That’s our job. Maybe it’s a day for some of the La Masia players to get their chance.❞ #BarçaGirona pic.twitter.com/EzVFKu0C1B
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 17, 2025
Flick downplayed the effect of the injuries, though, stressing that the team must start strongly and deliver for their supporters.
Barca go into Saturday’s game in desperate need of a win, having suffered two losses on the trot to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Sevilla in La Liga before the international break.
“We have to be at our highest level and play our best football. We need to show attitude on the pitch. We’re FC Barcelona, and our supporters want to see us fight for every ball.
“We have a run of games coming up, and I’ve told the players we have to fight for every title. Playing our best football to win. That’s what I want from this team.”
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