Hansi Flick ‘calls out Lamine Yamal for breaking Barcelona rule’ before handing him unusual tunnel punishment

Lamine Yamal began his professional career with Barcelona last season, but it was during the summer of 2024, at the UEFA European Championship, that he truly captured the world’s attention. This young prodigy, who celebrated his 17th birthday just before Spain’s triumph over England in the final, made an indelible mark with one goal and four assists. His performances during the tournament established him as one of the most promising young talents in the sport.

Despite Yamal’s rapid rise to fame, Barcelona’s new manager, Hansi Flick, is committed to keeping the young star grounded. Flick, who took over from Xavi Hernandez during the summer, has a reputation for being approachable and well-liked by his players. However, he is also firm in maintaining discipline within the team.

Reports from the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo highlight Flick’s emphasis on discipline. For instance, during the pre-season, a senior player faced repercussions for arriving late to a morning training session. Additionally, Yamal himself needed a reminder about his responsibilities when he was late to a team meeting before training. In a somewhat lighthearted yet corrective measure, Yamal’s teammates reportedly gave him a playful tap on the back of his head as a form of punishment.

Since Hansi Flick assumed the role of Barcelona’s head coach this summer, his influence has been noticeable. The players are displaying a higher level of sharpness and fitness compared to the previous season. Under Flick’s guidance, Barcelona has made an impressive start to the La Liga campaign, leading the table by four points after winning all four of their opening matches. They have secured 2-1 victories against Athletic Club, Valencia, and Rayo Vallecano, and delivered a commanding 7-0 win over Real Valladolid. As the international break concludes, Barcelona is set to resume their league journey with a highly anticipated Catalonian derby against Girona.