Barcelona's rising star punished by Hansi Flick: No special treatment for wonderkid

Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage sensation, is quickly making a name for himself on the world stage.

At just 17, he has already achieved remarkable feats, including breaking into Barcelona’s senior team at 15 and winning Euro 2024 with Spain.

Despite his rapid rise to fame, Yamal is learning that success comes with discipline, especially under the strict management of Barcelona’s new head coach, Hansi Flick.

Yamal recently found himself on the wrong side of Flick’s rules after arriving late for a pre-training talk.

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No exceptions under Hansi Flick

According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the young star was subjected to a “tunnel of slaps” as a punishment for his tardiness. This disciplinary method is a clear indication that Flick, who is known for his no-nonsense approach, is determined to maintain high standards and punctuality within the team.

Yamal wasn’t the only player to face Flick’s tough methods. An unnamed senior player in the squad was also reprimanded for oversleeping and missing training. The incident highlights Flick’s commitment to treating all players equally, regardless of their status within the team.

Flick’s strict approach seems to be paying off, as Barcelona currently sits at the top of the La Liga table with 12 points from their first four games of the 2024-25 season. The team has scored 13 goals, with Yamal contributing both assists and goals, further solidifying his status as a key player for the Catalan giants.

Yamal’s early success and recent disciplinary experience under Flick are likely to shape his future at Barcelona, where the young star is expected to continue his development while adhering to the demanding standards set by his coach.