Lamine Yamal dismisses Hansi Flick's "egos" warning after Rayo draw

Flick issued a pointed message following Barca's 1-1 draw away to Rayo Vallecano, where the Catalans surrendered the lead in the second half.

"I don't want egos," the German coach said post-match. "Egos kill success. Last year we were a team, and we must continue to be that way."

Yamal, however, wasn't convinced. The 18-year-old forward, who scored the opener from the spot, challenged his manager's take, calling for perspective and defending the squad's mentality.

"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 than with egos in the dressing room," he told RTVE. "After a draw, you come out frustrated. In the end, we have to win, but I don't believe it's about ego."

Barca have taken seven points from a possible nine - none of them at home and Yamal stressed that criticism of the squad has been overstated.

"We've played in difficult stadiums. It wasn't our best performance, but these things happen. We need to rediscover our level quickly, we're still hungry. We haven't won four straight leagues. We always want more."

Yamal, who finished eighth in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings, made no secret of his personal ambitions - balancing team goals with his dream of being named the world's best.

"Obviously every player wants to win the Ballon d'Or, and anyone who says they don't is lying," he said. "Being shortlisted at 18 is something to be proud of, and I hope it happens. But winning the Champions League with Barca - that would be incredible."

The teenage sensation has hit the ground running this season, contributing two goals and three assists in three LaLiga matches. His form continues a remarkable 2024 in which he helped Barcelona win LaLiga and the Copa del Rey, and was instrumental in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph.