Flick Asks Barcelona Players to Step Up in Yamal’s Absence
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has challenged his team to prove they can win without 17-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, who is sidelined with an ankle injury.
Yamal will miss Barcelona’s upcoming La Liga match against Celta Vigo on Saturday, and his absence raises concerns as the team has failed to secure victories in the two matches he didn’t start this season.
The young star was unavailable during Barcelona’s 4-2 defeat to Osasuna in September and their 1-0 loss at Real Sociedad before the international break.
Despite these setbacks, the team has otherwise enjoyed a strong campaign under Flick’s leadership, winning 11 out of 13 league matches.
In a press conference, Flick emphasized the need for Barcelona to adapt to Yamal’s absence.
“Lamine is very important for us, but we also have players who can step in,” Flick stated. He plans to ask his players if they can rise to the challenge of winning without Yamal, underlining the importance of the winger’s full recovery.
As for potential replacements, Flick mentioned several options, including Raphinha, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Pablo Torre, and Pau Victor.
The coach also confirmed that midfielder Gavi, who has been recovering from injury, is fit to start, and he expressed pride in Lionel Messi’s recent praise for Barcelona’s performances this season.
Messi, widely regarded as Barcelona’s greatest player, commended the team’s style of play and the progress of its young players, a sentiment Flick found particularly meaningful.
Barcelona’s upcoming challenge against Celta Vigo will test the team’s resilience in Yamal’s absence.
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