Flick delighted with Barcelona win without Yamal but admits anger at RFEF

Tensions have escalated between Barcelona and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in the past two days, with the Catalan side angered after Lamine Yamal returned from international duty carrying a pelvis injury.

The setback forced the teenager out of Sunday’s 6-0 win over Valencia and casts doubt on his availability for Thursday’s Champions League clash with Newcastle.

Head coach Hansi Flick made his frustrations clear in his pre-match press conference on Saturday. However, RFEF sources have since rejected his version of events.

After Sunday’s victory, the German boss was asked again about his stance and kept his response brief. Speaking to Movistar+, he said: “I said the words I said and nothing more. Nothing to comment on more.”

Sunday marked the first time Barcelona had won a league match under Flick without Yamal in the squad. The 18-year-old missed three games last season, during which the Blaugrana managed only one draw and two defeats. Flick was therefore delighted with how his side coped in the winger’s absence.

“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.”

Whether Yamal recovers in time for the midweek trip to St. James’ Park is still uncertain. Barcelona know the challenge will be far greater against Newcastle, but Sunday’s display at least proved that Flick’s squad can perform without relying solely on their young star.