Spanish-Moroccan winger Lamine Yamal dismisses claims over off-field behaviour after Flick’s ‘egos’ remark

Lamine Yamal has responded to Barcelona coach Hansi Flick’s suggestion that ‘egos’ within the squad are undermining progress, firmly denying claims about his conduct off the pitch.

The 18-year-old forward addressed the issue after Barça’s 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano, making clear that the criticism does not reflect the reality inside the dressing room.

Yamal, who was born in Spain to a Moroccan father and Equatorial Guinean mother, has risen quickly through the Catalan club’s ranks to become one of Europe’s most talked-about talents.

His rapid development has also drawn added attention to his personal life, with scrutiny intensifying following off-field controversies earlier in the summer.

The teenager had given Barcelona the lead against Rayo Vallecano, converting from the penalty spot before the hosts equalised midway through the second half.

Flick was left unimpressed with the performance and warned afterwards that selfishness could “kill success,” urging his squad to put collective effort ahead of individual ambition.

Yamal, however, rejected the suggestion that egos were to blame for the dropped points.

Speaking to RTVE, he said: “I think it has more to do with the fact that we didn’t start the season with the intensity we had at the end of the last one, rather than the egos in the dressing room. After a draw, you come out of a bad mood; in the end, you have to win.”

The comments come against the backdrop of Yamal’s turbulent summer, which included his 18th birthday celebration drawing police attention.

Although such incidents have added to speculation about his maturity, the youngster has sought to refocus attention on his football.