At simply 18 years previous, Lamine Yamal is already cemented as one of many brightest stars in world soccer. That standing was strengthened on the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, the place he completed second behind Ousmane Dembele. Now, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has shared his ideas on the younger winger.
“He’s distinctive, however there are different distinctive gamers on the staff,” Flick mentioned throughout a Tuesday press convention in Catalunya. He shortly made it clear that he’s not on board with the rising hype: “I believe this entire ‘tremendous, tremendous, tremendous’ factor… I don’t prefer it.”
The Barcelona coach then spoke about Yamal’s strengths. “He’s an ideal participant with the ball, and that’s what makes the distinction,” he acknowledged. However he additionally emphasised that expertise alone isn’t sufficient to succeed in the elite degree: “He’s 18 years previous, and he additionally must give attention to working exhausting. It’s not at all times straightforward.”
Lastly, Flick defined what he hopes Yamal will add to his ability set. “It’s not nearly enjoying with the ball — it’s additionally about defending. That’s what we count on from all gamers, not simply him,” Hansi mentioned. “There’s a degree you’ll be able to attain with expertise, however to go one or two steps larger, you must work exhausting.”
Lamine Yamal of Barcelona.
Yamal is able to face PSG
Lamine Yamal has been within the highlight in latest weeks as a result of his bodily situation. He returned from the September worldwide break with a groin muscle damage that sidelined him for 4 Barcelona matches and sparked pressure between Hansi Flick and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.
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After a number of weeks of restoration, the younger winger made his official return this Sunday. He performed 32 minutes in Barcelona’s 2–1 win over Actual Sociedad at Montjuic in Matchday 7 of La Liga. Now totally match — and having proven in these minutes how vital he’s to the staff — Yamal is able to be a part of the squad for Wednesday’s conflict towards Paris Saint-Germain within the UEFA Champions League.
Flick praises PSG
In the identical press convention, Hansi Flick additionally spoke concerning the upcoming match towards PSG and didn’t hesitate to reward the reigning Champions League winners. “We’re going through the very best staff from final season, with incredible gamers and an ideal coach. I really like their model — it’s a giant problem, and we’re excited for this match,” he mentioned.
“We now have to work on our sport plan. That’s how we’ve got to play. It’s at all times about positioning, ball management,” Flick added, describing what he expects from the match towards PSG. “It gained’t be straightforward tomorrow as a result of they like to press. They know the way to management possession. Tomorrow, we’ve got to play on the highest degree from the beginning. That is the Champions League.”
