Barcelona Coach Hansi Flick Defends Lamine Yamal After Clasico Criticism

Hansi Flick vows to protect Lamine Yamal amid criticism

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick defends Lamine Yamal, promising to support the young star after a tough outing in the Clasico after criticism over his performance in the Clasico against Real Madrid.

“We speak with him... we are very honest together, he with me and I with him, and this is the best way...” 

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has come to the defense of 18-year-old star Lamine Yamal, promising to “protect” him after a tough outing in the Clasico against Real Madrid. Yamal struggled to make an impact in the match, which Barcelona lost, widening the gap between them and league leaders Real Madrid to five points.

The young winger has also faced criticism for comments he made before the game, where he seemed to suggest that Real Madrid “steal and complain.” The remarks sparked outrage among some fans and media outlets. Flick, however, emphasized the importance of supporting his young player, highlighting the strong communication between them.

“I will always protect him and support him,” Flick said. “He's a fantastic player, fantastic guy, he's very young, and we will go on this way.” Flick also provided an update on Yamal's fitness, saying he's “doing good” after struggling with a groin injury.

Lamine Yamal's ongoing groin injury continues to impact his performance on the pitch. Despite playing in the Clasico, the 18-year-old winger seemed off his usual game, displaying a lack of explosiveness and struggling to make an impact. The injury, which has been a recurring problem for Yamal, has forced him to miss several games and has sparked a debate between Barcelona coach Hansi Flick and Spain's national team coach Luis de la Fuente over player management.

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Yamal's stats have taken a hit since the injury, with his dribbles per game dropping from 11.3 to 9.1 and shots on target decreasing from 6.6 to 3.8 per game. The young winger's performance in the Clasico was particularly underwhelming, and it's clear that the injury is still affecting him.

Barcelona has taken a cautious approach to Yamal's recovery, with Flick emphasizing the need to manage the player's workload and ensure he receives the right training and match minutes. The club is hopeful that Yamal will be fit for the upcoming match against Elche, but the player's progress will be closely monitored.

“We speak with him... we are very honest together, he with me and I with him, and this is the best way,” Flick told a news conference ahead of Barca's match against Elche on Sunday in La Liga.

“I will always protect him and support him. He's a fantastic player, fantastic guy, he's very young, and we will go on this way.”

Yamal has been struggling with a groin injury for a few weeks, and although he started the Clasico, he put in a subdued performance and still seems affected by the issue.

“Lamine is good. I just spoke with him and he's doing good,” continued Flick.

“Lamine is good. I just spoke with him and he's doing good,” continued Flick.

“Of course, he has some days where he feels some pain, but now he really works hard; he has improved a lot in these things. He's on a good evolution, so this is what we can say.”

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick confirmed that Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo are set to return to action after recovering from injuries. The duo's availability is a significant boost for the team, and Flick praised their impact on training, saying they have raised the level of quality.

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Lewandowski and Olmo's returns will provide Flick with more options in attack and midfield, potentially allowing the team to change their approach. However, Barca will still be without several key players, including Pedri, Gavi, and Joan Garcia, who are all out with injuries.

“What I can see now with Dani and also with Lewy back, the last two training (sessions) were very good," 

added Flick.

“It's not just that they increase the level and quality, but that the others are increasing their level, also the young players. It's nice to see, and hopefully we can show it tomorrow.”

Barcelona will look to bounce back from their Clasico defeat when they host Elche at the Olympic Stadium. The visitors, coached by former Barca assistant Eder Sarabia, have exceeded expectations with a strong start to the season, boasting just two losses and sitting comfortably in mid-table.

Flick has praised Elche's style of play, saying they play "fantastic football." The German coach will be aware of the challenge posed by Sarabia's side, who have shown they can compete with the best in LaLiga. Barcelona will aim to put their Clasico disappointment behind them and secure a win against the promoted team.