Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick, emphasized on Tuesday that for young talent Lamine Yamal to advance, he must enhance his work rate, especially as they gear up for the Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain.
As the defending champions head to Barcelona on Wednesday, 18-year-old winger Yamal aims to impress after securing second place at the Ballon d’Or gala last week, just behind PSG’s Ousmane Dembele.
Yamal made his comeback from a groin injury on Sunday against Real Sociedad in La Liga, delivering an assist just a minute after coming off the bench for a dynamic second-half performance.
“Calling him super, super, super… I don’t like this. He’s just 18, and for me, he must concentrate on working hard,” Flick stated to reporters.
“Talent got him this far, but to advance further, he needs to take one or two more steps — and I believe he can — by putting in the hard work.”
Last season, Barcelona achieved a domestic treble, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, but fell short in the Champions League after losing to Inter Milan in the semi-finals despite Yamal’s outstanding performances.
Flick urged Yamal and his teammates to focus on defense against Luis Enrique’s attacking PSG, especially when the French champions control the ball.
“It’s not just about offensive play; it’s also about defending,” Flick added.
“Every player, even those excellent with the ball like him, must contribute defensively to make a difference.”
Flick highlighted the need for complete concentration from “the first second to the end of the match” to defeat PSG and reach their peak performance.
Rashford has ‘arrived’
Flick also commended Marcus Rashford, who has firmly established himself on Barca’s left wing.
With Raphinha injured, Rashford is set to start against PSG. The forward, on loan from Manchester United, scored twice in Barcelona’s opening Champions League victory at Newcastle.
“Everyone witnessed it in recent games; the Newcastle match boosted his confidence and now he’s truly here, having arrived in Barcelona,” said Flick.
“Adapting to La Liga isn’t easy, with different opponents and a unique style of play, but he’s adjusted well.”
PSG will miss key attackers Dembele, a former Barca player, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, among others.
Barca midfielder Pedri expressed his belief that his team is favored to win the game.
“PSG is among the world’s best teams, and we are the best — at least in my view,” he told reporters.
In their last encounter, PSG defeated Barca 4-1 in the 2024 quarter-finals after Barca defender Ronald Araujo received a red card, with PSG advancing 6-4 on aggregate.
“Every Barca fan knows we were close to advancing two seasons ago,” Pedri said.
“There’s always a chance for revenge in football, and that’s what we aim for — these are the most thrilling matches.”
