Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has strongly criticised Spain’s national team after teenage sensation Lamine Yamal returned from international duty with an injury that could sideline him for several weeks. The coach expressed frustration at what he described as the mishandling of the young forward, insisting that greater care should have been taken to protect one of Europe’s brightest prospects.
Yamal, 17, was forced off during Spain’s recent international fixture, sparking concerns at Barcelona where he has quickly become a key figure in Flick’s tactical setup. The German coach accused Spain’s medical team of failing to manage the player’s workload properly, pointing out that the teenager has already endured a demanding schedule at both club and international levels.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Barcelona’s weekend clash, Flick said the situation could have been avoided if Spain had acted more responsibly. “It is unacceptable to push such a young player beyond his limits,” the coach said. “We are talking about a talent whose future must be carefully managed, not jeopardised by short-term decisions.”
The injury has reignited debates over how national teams handle young players, especially those carrying heavy responsibilities at their clubs. Barcelona officials are said to be particularly concerned given Yamal’s importance to the squad this season, with the youngster playing a pivotal role in both domestic and European competitions.
Spanish football authorities have yet to respond directly to Flick’s criticism, but insiders maintain that the national team’s medical staff followed standard procedures and acted in the player’s best interest. Still, the dispute highlights the ongoing tension between clubs and national federations over player welfare, especially when it involves emerging stars.
Analysts note that Flick’s outburst reflects broader frustrations within elite clubs, which often bear the brunt of injuries sustained during international breaks. With Barcelona already battling a packed fixture list, Yamal’s absence could prove costly in their pursuit of silverware this season.
As the controversy lingers, calls are growing for clearer guidelines on managing young players at international level. For Barcelona and Flick, however, the immediate concern is how quickly Yamal can recover and return to action without aggravating the injury further.
