Joan Laporta comes to Hansi Flick's defense

Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, broke his silence on the controversy surrounding Lamine Yamal's injury and publicly backed Hansi Flick. Speaking to the media in Newcastle, the Barça boss was emphatic: “Our coach has already said everything he had to say and he is absolutely right.”

Yamal's situation has caused concern within the Blaugrana camp. The 17-year-old winger returned with discomfort after the international break, where he played more than 70 minutes in both games with Spain despite carrying an injury. Flick was indignant at the press conference: “This is not taking care of the players,” he warned, pointing directly to the RFEF's management.

An absence that weighs heavily on the Champions League

The young striker was not called up for the crucial Champions League match against Newcastle United. Barcelona, however, managed to beat Valencia in LaLiga without Yamal, proving that the team has resources, but Flick insists on prioritizing the player's long-term health: the pain in his pubic bone must disappear completely before he returns.

Growing tension between Barça and the RFEF

Statements by Laporta and Flick reignite the eternal friction between clubs and national teams over the management of their players' minutes. In the coming days, Barcelona and the Spanish Federation will hold meetings to prevent cases like Yamal's from happening again.

This public backing from the president could mark the beginning of a firmer stance by the club on the release of its international players, especially when it comes to young talents who are still developing physically.

Is a major conflict on the horizon?

Laporta's support for Flick not only shields the coach, but also sends a political message: Barcelona will demand greater control over its players' workload. With an increasingly crowded schedule, disputes of this kind could escalate, especially if Yamal suffers a relapse.

For Barça, protecting its star player is a priority. A premature return could affect not only his season but also his long-term development, something that neither Flick nor Laporta seem willing to risk.