Regarding The Issue Of Internal Splits Because Of Lamine Yamal, Barcelona Coach: That's Blank

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick (ANTARA/FCbarcelona.com)

JAKARTA - Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has strongly denied reports of internal divisions within the club.

He dismissed reports that the Director of Sports, Deco, pressured him to field Lamine Yamal against Paris Saint-Germain, although the winger was said to have come late for training.

Ahead of the LaLiga match against Girona on Saturday (18/10) night WIB. Flick called the issue baseless and emphasized that the decision on the line-up was entirely in his hands.

"I don't know where you got the information from, but I'm sorry for the choice of the word "it's really nonsense!", Flick quoted Antara as saying.

"I've never been asked for anything like that. I value their trust in my job. They'll never force me to do that kind of thing. So, I can say it's nonsense, and whoever says it's lying."

Barcelona are currently two points behind leaders Real Madrid, but their situation is increasingly difficult due to the injury crisis that hit the team.

Flick is confirmed to have lost eight main players, including Robert Lewandowski, who suffered torn thigh muscles while defending the Polish national team.

Apart from Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha, Joan Garcia, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are also absent. Flick admitted that this situation made him have to rack his brain to find a solution.

"I can't change that. We have to find a way out," Flick said.

Yamal and Fermin are back in training, but they are not ready to play the full 90 minutes. Maybe we will call players from La Masia. We'll see."

Even so, Flick remains optimistic. He hopes Raphinha's condition will recover soon and can appear in the El Clasico match next week against Real Madrid.

"The plan is that Raphinha will be ready for El Clasico. Indeed, there are a few problems with recovery, but conditions are improving," he explained.

Flick also defended Lewandowski, now 37, appreciating the striker's dedication to his physical fitness.

No one takes care of his body as well as Robert. Maybe only Cristiano Ronaldo is equal to him at this age," said Flick.

"He didn't even feel injured while playing for Poland. It's not good for us, but we have to deal with it."

Barcelona are now under pressure after losing in a row, being beaten by PSG in the Champions League and humiliated by Sevilla 4-1 in LaLiga before the international break.

Flick insists that his team must again show the distinctive fighting spirit of the Blaugrana.

"It all depends on the attitude and mentality on the pitch, we are Barca. Fans want to see us fight for each ball. Last season we won three titles, but this is a new season. We have to start again with the same determination, and I'm sure tomorrow we will fight."