La Liga: Flick will ‘protect’ Barcelona teen star Yamal

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said on Saturday he will “protect” teenage star Lamine Yamal after recent criticism.

The 18-year-old winger struggled in last weekend’s El Clasico as champions Barca suffered defeat to leave them five points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid.

Yamal was also in the spotlight for pre-match comments, insinuating that Madrid were ‘stating (and) complaining’, which confused Los Blancos fans and much of the Spanish media.

«We talk to him… we are very honest together, him against me and I against him, and this is the best way,» Flick told a news conference ahead of Barca’s match against Elche in La Liga on Sunday.

«I will always protect and support him. He is a fantastic player, a fantastic guy, he is still very young and we will continue on this path.»

Yamal has been struggling with a groin injury for a few weeks and although he started the Clásico, he put in a mediocre performance and appears to still be bothered by the problem.

«Lamine is good. I just talked to him and he’s doing well,» Flick continued.

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«Of course he has some days where he feels some pain, but now he is working really hard and he has improved a lot on these things. He is making a good evolution, so this is what we can say.»

The German coach said that Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo are available again after injuries, while Barca are still without Pedri Gonzalez, Gavi and Joan Garcia, among others.

Flick explained that the return of experienced striker Lewandowski and playmaker Olmo had helped increase the quality of training.

“What I can see now with Dani and also with Lewy back, the last two training sessions were very good,” Flick added.

«It’s not just that they are raising the level and quality, but that the others are raising their level, including the young players. It’s nice to see, and hopefully we can show it tomorrow.»

The Catalans host Elche at the Olympic Stadium, with the newly promoted side coached by Eder Sarabia, a former Barcelona assistant coach under Quique Setien.

Elche are mid-table after a strong start to the season, having suffered just two defeats, and Flick said they are playing “fantastic football”.

Published on November 1, 2025