Barcelona fans witnessed a spirited comeback against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday night, but despite the 2-1 win, much of the post-match conversation centered around one moment:
Lamine Yamal’s very visible frustration after being subbed off.
The 17-year-old wonderkid, who continues to be one of Barca’s brightest lights this season, didn’t hide his irritation. He walked off in the 89th minute with a stern face, muttering under his breath after being replaced by Roony Bardghji.
But was Flick upset? Not even close.
Hansi Flick addressed the situation immediately after the match — and his tone was ice-cool.
“We changed Lamine because he was booked and it was late,” Flick explained. “If he was a bit annoyed, then I fully understand and I like it. I was a player too. It’s fully acceptable, not a problem.”
Translation?
The manager would rather have a competitive player than a passive one.
However, there’s a twist…
Yamal’s booking against Frankfurt was his third of the Champions League campaign, which automatically triggers a one-match suspension.
That means he will miss Barcelona’s January clash with Slavia Prague — a big blow considering how influential he’s been in the final third.
Barcelona made life complicated yet again after conceding first for the fifth straight match. Ansgar Knauff punished their slow start with a 21st-minute opener, leaving the Camp Nou crowd restless.
But Barca came alive after halftime:
Higher pressing
More aggression
Better positional play
Wider stretches of Frankfurt’s defensive block
And then came two goals from Jules Kounde — yes, the defender — who transformed into an attacking menace.
Marcus Rashford and Yamal each registered assists, showing Barca’s attacking fluidity when they finally wake up.
Flick was pleased with the fight-back but admitted:
“It would also be good to start well and score the first goal… it is what it is.”
The Frenchman was quick to explain why he pushed forward so often:
“Against a back five you have to attack the spaces in behind… I had success with those two goals.”
Flick echoed the praise:
“His talent and mentality are so important.”
Kounde stepped up when Barca needed him most — and that mentality could be crucial as the season progresses.
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