Lamine Yamal voiced out his frustration at Hansi Flick’s decision to substitute him during Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano last weekend.
Ronald Araujo’s well-placed header in the first half helped Barcelona secure all three points despite Vallecano’s relentless push for an equaliser.
Despite the impressive performance by the team, Yamal was left frustrated by manager Hansi Flick’s decision to substitute him from the game.
Yamal was substituted in the 82nd minute as Flick brought in Marcus Rashford. The Spain international was not pleased with the decision, and according to Mundo Deportivo, he didn’t hold back his frustration.
As soon as he was substituted, cameras showed Yamal avoiding eye contact with Flick as he came off, even while still slapping his coach’s hand, and then gesturing toward him several times on the way back to the bench.
The report adds that Lamine then vented to assistant coach Arnau Blanco, saying: “Always the same. This is crazy. It is crazy. Only me, always me.”
Yamal was not the only player frustrated with Flick’s decision.
Fermin Lopez was replaced by Dani Olmo in the 61st minute also voiced out his displeasure.
Fermin Lopez in action during match against Rayo Vallecano. (Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Although he applauded the crowd on his way off and shook hands with both Olmo and Flick, his anger quickly became clear once he reached the touchline.
He kicked a cooler kept by the staff on the sideline, a reaction linked both to the substitution itself and to his own disappointment with how he had played. Flick was later asked about that reaction and did not sound especially concerned. His response was direct:
“We wanted to change, we wanted to change, and he has to accept it because Dani Olmo is also a fantastic player.”
It’s still unclear whether both players will face disciplinary action as Flick would not want anything to break the bond in his team.
