Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has pledged to “protect” teenage winger Lamine Yamal following recent criticism.
The 18-year-old struggled in last weekend’s Clasico, as champions Barcelona fell to a defeat that left them five points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid. Yamal was also under scrutiny for pre-match comments suggesting that Madrid “steal (and) complain,” which angered Los Blancos supporters and much of the Spanish media.
“We speak with him… we are very honest together, he with me and I with him, and this is the best way,” Flick said at a press conference ahead of Barca’s La Liga clash with Elche on Sunday.
“I will always protect him and support him. He’s a fantastic player, fantastic guy, very young, and we will continue this way.”
Flick confirmed Yamal has been struggling with a groin injury for several weeks. Although he started in the Clasico, the injury seemed to affect his performance.
“Lamine is good. I just spoke with him and he’s doing well,” Flick added. “Of course, he has some days when he feels pain, but he is working hard, improving a lot, and is on a good path.”
The German coach also confirmed the return of veteran striker Robert Lewandowski and playmaker Dani Olmo from injury, while Barcelona remain without Pedri Gonzalez, Gavi, and Joan Garcia among others.
“What I can see now with Dani and Lewy back, the last two training sessions have been very good,” Flick said. “It’s not just that they raise the quality, but the other players, especially the young ones, are improving as well. It’s nice to see, and hopefully we can show it tomorrow.”
Barcelona host Elche at the Olympic Stadium, with the promoted side managed by Eder Sarabia, a former Barca assistant under Quique Setien. Elche have enjoyed a strong start to the season, suffering only two defeats, and Flick described them as playing “fantastic football.”
