‘He’s only 18 years old, he’s emotional and that’s good’ – Hansi Flick on Lamine Yamal frustration

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick downplayed Lamine Yamal's visible frustration after the team's 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid on Saturday. The 18-year-old winger appeared irritated upon leaving the pitch, reportedly shrugging off attempts to calm him down. Media reports suggested his annoyance stemmed from instructions given by goalkeeping coach Jose Ramon de la Fuente from the touchline. However, Flick stated Yamal's emotional reaction was perfectly normal.

"As I said on Saturday, he tried everything down the wing, and Joao (Felix) executed his one-on-one perfectly. Robert (Lewandowski) scored with his chest. We must remember Lamine is only 18 years old, and his current performance level is extraordinary," Flick explained. "When you rewatch the game, you'll see him doing incredible things. He's just 18. He dribbled past five players and nearly scored. He left frustrated because he's emotional, and that's a positive trait. Sometimes, his frustration might even be directed at himself."

Flick reiterated his unwavering support for Yamal. "I will always back him. We need to be careful; not everything he does is meant to cause a stir. He is a fantastic player, and we must never forget his age. I assured him he is capable, and I will always protect him. It’s crucial for him to develop in the right environment. He's a phenomenal talent, potentially the best player in the future."

Flick Addresses Joao Felix's Defensive Contribution

Flick also spoke about loanee Joao Felix, who is expected to replace Raphinha in Barcelona's lineup again, following his significant impact at the Metropolitano. While Felix faced criticism for his work rate during the 2-1 win – where he scored Barcelona's equalizer – Flick emphasized the importance of defensive duties. "It’s crucial; it’s an integral part of our game. We know he's exceptional with the ball, and his one-on-one skills are amazing, but defending is also part of the game," Flick stated. "He's adapting well and making considerable progress. We need him in these situations to support his teammate on the flank, particularly against opponents like Atletico, who are very strong on the wings."

Uncertainty Surrounds Joao Cancelo's Future

The future of Joao Cancelo was another topic addressed during Flick's press conference, following Cancelo's own non-committal remarks to the press earlier. Flick adopted a similar stance, saying, "I prefer not to discuss the future. Currently, he’s doing an excellent job. He played in Mexico and the United States during the international break and had a long journey back, so he was quite tired recently. He possesses immense quality and is tremendously helpful to us at this moment." The 31-year-old is on loan until the end of the season, and while Barcelona is reportedly keen to retain Cancelo, the terms of a potential permanent deal are unclear, as his current agreement does not include a buy option.