Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has moved to ease fan concerns over Lamine Yamal, insisting the 19-year-old is on track to return to his true level ahead of Monday's La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Flick said Yamal struggled in the season opener against Elche but performed better against Athletic Bilbao, despite not scoring.
“I know people are worried about Lamine, about his situation. Look at his circumstances – he played a World Cup after a serious injury,” Flick said. The German tactician stressed that the Spanish world champion is gradually returning to his best, a level he has not reached since suffering a hamstring injury in April.
The winger returned to action at the World Cup, but although Spain were successful, his individual contribution during the tournament remained limited.
“Now he’s back after three weeks of rest, and the first match may not have been his best. But I said I’m happy he was out there working for the team,” Flick explained.
In Thursday’s game against Athletic Bilbao, Yamal underwhelmed in the first half but accelerated noticeably after the break. Flick assessed: “He played the full 90 minutes against Bilbao. At this point, getting 90 minutes on the pitch is good for him. We saw him in some situations at the highest level. And today you can’t see that in training, but I saw it, and it was excellent. Everyone loves Lamine, and he’s improving. We have to support him, and we do that.”
Yamal appeared unhappy after the Elche match but was more cheerful in training ahead of the Rayo game. On that, Flick joked: “Of course, it’s always good when players smile, but not every day is the same. I don’t laugh every day either. That’s how it is.”
Barcelona have won both opening matches with Raphinha playing as an makeshift No. 9, after the reigning champions failed to sign top target Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. Flick insisted he is satisfied with his current squad and feels no pressure to make signings: “Of course, I’m happy with my team. Sporting director Deco is working to strengthen the squad. We have no pressure.”
