BARCELONA – Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said he would defend teenage star Lamine Yamal against criticism for his occasional “emotional” outbursts, ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atletico Madrid. The 18-year-old winger did not celebrate Barca’s late winner in the 2-1 victory at Atletico in La Liga on Saturday that took the Catalans seven points clear at the top of the table.
Yamal was visibly irritated, with Spanish media reporting it was because a member of the Barcelona coaching staff admonished him from the sidelines for shooting when he could have passed. The Spain international has also shown his anger at being substituted by Flick in the past, and the coach said he would back Yamal regardless.
Flick’s Support
“What we have to see is that Lamine is 18 years old and for me he’s an unbelievable player, you can see it when you watch the game again — what he’s doing is unbelievable,” Flick told reporters Tuesday. “But he’s only 18, sometimes he’s angry when I substitute him. He had a situation, where he dribbled past four or five players and then shot and missed.”
“Sometimes he’s frustrated he didn’t score this goal and he’s like that, he’s emotional, and this is good. I will always support him.”
Managing the Noise
Flick admitted Yamal’s shows of disapproval on the sideline sometimes create headlines that are not ideal for the team. “He’s a fantastic player, on the right (path), we will help him to develop,” the German coach said. “Not everything that he’s doing is good as it creates this noise around our team. I know everyone is looking to him because he’s a fantastic player but we also have to see that he’s 18 years old.”
“Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. I said to him, no problem you can do it and I will always protect you. This is what I want for him, show everyone on the pitch how good he is and he will be one of the best, maybe the best player in the future.”
Yamal’s Rising Star
Yamal shone last season as he helped Barca to the Champions League semi-finals, as close as they have come to the trophy since winning it in 2015. His emergence as a regular starter at just 17 last season made him one of the most exciting young talents in world football, and he has continued to develop under Flick’s guidance this campaign.
Atletico Challenge Ahead
Flick said the quarter-final tie against Diego Simeone’s Atletico would be tricky to navigate, starting at Camp Nou on Wednesday in the first leg. “Atleti is a tough team, they have the right attitude, a lot of intensity, fast players, fantastic players on the pitch,” said Flick.
“On Saturday they rested many players but the quality was very high. They love to defend, they know how to defend in a deep block, it’s not so easy to score two goals at Atletico. It’s always tough. There will be a lot of emotions in this game because it’s two legs, we try to give our best to get a good result tomorrow.”
Rashford’s Role
Marcus Rashford is in line to start on the left flank in place of injured winger Raphinha. The England international, on loan from Manchester United, scored against Atletico on Saturday. Flick said he still needed to improve on his defensive work rate but acknowledged Rashford was doing well, although he has not said if he wants the club to execute the purchase option they have for the forward.
“(Pressing) is also a part of our game which is very important, not just with the ball (where) everyone knows he’s fantastic,” said Flick. “(Dribbling) one on one he’s doing really good, but to defend is also part of our game and part of football. But he’s doing good, he’s adapted a lot, and we need him… to help his team-mate on the flank.”
Analysis: Protecting a Gem
Hansi Flick’s public defence of Lamine Yamal is a masterclass in man-management. The 18-year-old is one of the most exciting young talents in world football, but with that talent comes scrutiny. Every frustrated gesture, every angry reaction to being substituted, is magnified and dissected.
Flick’s approach — acknowledging Yamal’s emotions while making clear that he will always support and protect him — is exactly what a young player needs. By saying “I will always protect you,” Flick takes the pressure off Yamal and places it on himself.
The coach’s reminder that Yamal is only 18 is important. At that age, emotional regulation is still developing. The frustration that leads to a petulant reaction on the sideline is the same passion that drives him to dribble past four or five players.
For Barcelona, the challenge is to nurture Yamal’s talent without extinguishing the fire that makes him special. Flick’s words suggest he understands that balance.
As Barcelona prepare for a Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid, Yamal’s form will be crucial. With Raphinha injured, the teenager may need to carry even more of the creative burden. Flick’s public vote of confidence could be the boost he needs.
