Without defending or condemning the gesture, FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick offered a measured response on Tuesday regarding his star forward Lamine Yamal’s decision to wave a Palestinian flag during the club’s title parade on Monday.
“These are things I usually don’t like,” Flick said during a press conference on Tuesday, referring to Yamal’s celebration at the parade held to mark Barcelona’s La Liga triumph. “I told him it’s his choice. He’s an adult,” added the Barcelona coach, who recently signed an extension for at least two more seasons.
During the Blaugrana’s victory parade through the streets of Barcelona, the 18-year-old, who finished second in last year’s Ballon d’Or voting, was seen holding a Palestinian flag from the open-top bus carrying the players.
“We focus on playing football, and we must be aware of public expectations,” Flick continued. Barcelona secured their 29th La Liga title on Sunday, their second consecutive championship, after defeating Real Madrid 2-0 at Camp Nou.
“When I saw the people in the streets, so emotional, it was an incredible feeling. I was very moved,” Flick said. “That’s why we are here: to play football, to make people happy.”
