Barcelona boss Hansi Flick questions Lamine Yamal over Palestine flag
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has questioned Lamine Yamal after the winger displayed a Palestine flag during the club’s La Liga trophy parade on Monday.
The Catalan giants were crowned Spanish champions for the 25th time following a 2-0 victory over fierce rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico.
During the subsequent celebrations, the teenage forward was seen hoisting the flag in apparent support of Palestine amid the ongoing conflict with Israel.
Manager prefers football focus
Flick admitted he was not overly impressed by the political statement, preferring the focus to remain firmly on his team’s achievements.
The German tactician revealed he had spoken privately with the Ballon d’Or contender regarding the incident.
“This I normally don’t like, I spoke with him, and I said if he wants this, he is old enough, he is 18 years old, and its his decision.”
He emphasised that the squad’s primary role is to entertain their supporters through performances on the pitch.
“We are playing football, and you can see what the people expect from us. When I see the crowd, they were very emotional, tears in their eyes.”
The former Bayern Munich boss noted that seeing the fans’ reaction to securing a second consecutive league title validates their hard work.
Overcoming injury obstacles
The newly crowned champions secured the title against Alvaro Arbeloa’s side thanks to a brilliant Marcus Rashford free-kick and a strike from Ferran Torres.
Reflecting on the campaign, the Barcelona boss praised his squad’s resilience in the face of numerous fitness setbacks.
Key figures including Raphinha, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Yamal himself have all spent time sidelined this season.
“I told them today that they played a fantastic season, it was not easy, because we had a lot of injuries, so it’s amazing what a season we played.”
Flick also highlighted a vast defensive improvement over the past two months as the vital catalyst for their title success.
Social media taunts
Away from the parade controversy, the 18-year-old also used the title win to mock Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Following an October defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu, the England international had posted a provocative message on social media.
The Spanish winger returned the exact same phrase on Instagram on Sunday, accompanied by a series of crying emojis.
Barcelona have accumulated 91 points from 35 games and could reach a historic 100-point milestone if they win their remaining three fixtures.
They travel to Alaves on Wednesday, before hosting Real Betis and concluding the campaign away at Valencia.