Hansi Flick Backs Lamine Yamal Amid Growing Pressure to Offload Barcelona Wonderkid
Hansi Flick has urged Lamine Yamal to move past Tuesday's loss to Chelsea following unexpected criticism from former Barcelona executive Toni Freixa.
The 2025 Ballon d'Or second-place finisher has already achieved extraordinary heights of recognition and success despite being only 18 years old, performing brilliantly since establishing himself in the senior squads for both Barcelona and Spain.
Yamal is a genuine superstar progressing toward football legend status, but the young player's exceptional ability has not shielded him from criticism—even from those with Barcelona connections.
Former Blaugrana executive Freixa spoke candidly when discussing the exceptional talent, sharing the guidance he would offer Yamal and how Barça should respond if the attention surrounding their young star becomes problematic.
"If Lamine were my child, I would tell him that he's not as exceptional as people claim. Continue working diligently and don't believe the hype. Concentrate solely on football," Freixa stated on El Chiringuito (as reported by Sport).
"If Lamine develops any issues that require attention, we must support him. Theoretically, if it reaches a stage where this situation becomes unmanageable, that's acceptable, Barça will move forward [without him].
"I'm not dismissing any scenario when considering my club. Everyone at the organization is temporary; what matters is Barça."
Freixa's statements are undoubtedly provocative, with few at Barça likely to agree regarding a potential transfer. The speedy winger is destined to keep breaking records for club and nation, delivering tremendous success to the Catalan giants along the way.
Flick: Move Past Marc Cucurella
Yamal struggled in his individual battle with Chelsea's Marc Cucurella during the midweek match, leaving the field in the 80th minute after managing only one weak shot on target as Barcelona suffered a crushing 3–0 defeat. Chelsea keeper Robert Sánchez was among those who enjoyed mocking the teenage sensation, but Flick's guidance was straightforward: Move on.
"In my opinion, Cucurella is among the finest left backs globally," the Barcelona coach reflected. "It's challenging to face him, he's very clever, very astute defensively.
"The next challenge for Lamine is to demonstrate once more that it's not about this game, put it behind you. Alavés is what matters now and he must display his finest performance, his peak form."