Daily News 19

Tag: Hansi Flick

  • Barcelona Legend Reveals Surprise Ballon d’Or Pick

    Barcelona Legend Reveals Surprise Ballon d’Or Pick

    Key Highlights

    • Barcelona legend Carles Rexach has publicly endorsed Raphinha as a deserving Ballon d’Or winner despite the Brazilian’s absence from this year’s shortlist.
    • Rexach argues the award should reflect current form, stating Raphinha’s performances merit the prestigious individual honor.
    • The endorsement highlights a discrepancy between the official 30-man nominee list and expert assessments of the winger’s 2024 impact.

    Rexach Champions Raphinha’s Ballon d’Or Credentials

    Former Barcelona player and coach Carles Rexach has weighed into the debate surrounding the 2024 Ballon d’Or, delivering a strong endorsement of Raphinha that contradicts the official nomination list released by France Football. The Brazilian winger, who has been instrumental in Hansi Flick’s revitalized Barcelona side, was notably omitted from the 30-player shortlist announced earlier this month. Rexach, a respected voice at Camp Nou having served the club in various capacities over five decades, contends that the selection committee overlooked the player’s current trajectory and decisive influence on matches.

    Current Form Versus Historical Voting Cycles

    The crux of Rexach’s argument rests on the timing of the award relative to the football calendar. While the Ballon d’Or traditionally assesses a player’s output over the preceding European season, the veteran believes the “current situation” on the pitch should carry decisive weight. Raphinha has started the 2024-25 campaign in scintillating fashion, contributing goals and assists at a rate that places him among the statistical elite in La Liga and the Champions League. Rexach’s stance suggests a growing sentiment among purists that individual awards must evolve to recognize peak performance windows rather than relying solely on retrospective seasonal aggregates.

    A Legend’s Perspective on Modern Greatness

    Carles Rexach’s opinion carries significant historical gravity. As a member of Johan Cruyff’s “Dream Team” and a long-time technical director, his evaluation of attacking talent is rooted in the Barcelona philosophy of dominant, creative football. He sees in Raphinha a player embodying the directness and goal threat required at the highest level. The omission of the 27-year-old from the shortlist—while teammates like Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski were included—has sparked discussion regarding the criteria used by the international jury of journalists. Rexach’s intervention amplifies the narrative that Raphinha’s resurgence under Flick represents one of the most compelling individual storylines in European football this year.

    Why This Matters

    The discrepancy between expert opinion and the official Ballon d’Or shortlist underscores an ongoing tension in football’s most prestigious individual award. The voting process, conducted by a global panel of journalists, finalizes its selections months before the ceremony, potentially missing late-season surges or early-season explosions like Raphinha’s current form. For Barcelona, the debate serves as a validation of their sporting project under Hansi Flick, demonstrating that their key assets are receiving world-class recognition from within the game, even if institutional awards lag behind. As the ceremony approaches, the conversation sparked by figures like Rexach may influence future reforms to the voting timeline or criteria.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why was Raphinha left off the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist?
    The shortlist reflects performances during the 2023-24 season, a period in which Raphinha struggled with injuries and inconsistent form before his current resurgence under Hansi Flick.
    What is Carles Rexach’s connection to FC Barcelona?
    Carles Rexach is a club legend who played for Barcelona for 15 years, later serving as first-team coach, sporting director, and technical advisor across multiple decades.
    Who are the Barcelona players nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or?
    Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski were the Barcelona representatives included on the 30-man shortlist announced by France Football.
  • Raphinha Breaks Barcelona Record, Targets Cristiano Ronaldo After Messi Comparison

    Raphinha Breaks Barcelona Record, Targets Cristiano Ronaldo After Messi Comparison

    Key Highlights

    • Raphinha has scored 14 goals in Barcelona’s first eight matches of the 2024-25 season, the best goalscoring start in the club’s history, surpassing César Rodríguez’s previous record of 13.
    • The Brazilian has netted 12 goals in his first seven LaLiga appearances, the third-highest tally in league history behind only Esteban Echevarría (14 in 1943-44) and Cristiano Ronaldo (13 in 2014-15).
    • Despite leading LaLiga leaders Barcelona with nearly 40% of the team’s 36 total goals and outpacing elite strikers like Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland, Raphinha was omitted from the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist—a decision he called unfair.

    Raphinha Rewrites Barcelona History with Record-Breaking Start

    Barcelona forward Raphael Dias “Raphinha” has authored one of the most remarkable individual starts to a season in the club’s storied history. Following a “perfect hat-trick” in the 3-1 victory at Sevilla’s Sánchez Pizjuán stadium, the Brazilian has accumulated 14 goals across the first eight competitive matches of the 2024-25 campaign. This tally eclipses the previous club benchmark of 13 goals set by Blaugrana legend César Rodríguez, establishing a new standard for goalscoring immediacy at the Catalan institution. The 27-year-old from Porto Alegre has achieved this feat while operating primarily as a center-forward—a position he had rarely, if ever, occupied prior to this season.

    From Winger to “9”: A Tactical Masterstroke by Hansi Flick

    The positional transformation traces back to August 16, when head coach Hansi Flick deployed Raphinha as the tip of the attack during the first half of a pre-season friendly against Swiss side Basel. “I don’t remember having trained as a “9” in training sessions. In the match, the coach told me that I would play as a “9” and that afterwards I would move to the wing,” Raphinha revealed in a recent interview with Rac1. The experiment became necessity when Barcelona’s pursuit of Atlético de Madrid striker Julián Álvarez collapsed due to the colchonero club’s refusal to negotiate. Thrust into the role for the LaLiga opener against Elche on August 23, Raphinha responded with a brace and an assist in a 5-0 rout. Since that debut, he has found the net in seven of eight matches, failing to score only against Levante—a match in which he registered two assists. His current average of 1.75 goals per game places him ahead of established European elite such as Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland at the corresponding stage of the season.

    Exclusive Company in LaLiga and Barcelona Annals

    The statistics underscore the historic nature of the run. Raphinha’s 12 goals in the first seven LaLiga matchdays rank third all-time in the competition’s history, trailing only Oviedo’s Esteban Echevarría (14 in 1943-44) and Cristiano Ronaldo’s 13 for Real Madrid in 2014-15. At Sánchez Pizjuán, he recorded his second league hat-trick of the season—following the earlier treble against Racing de Santander in a 7-2 win—becoming the first player to achieve multiple hat-tricks in a single Spanish top-flight campaign since the 2017-18 season. Within Barcelona’s history, only Lionel Messi (on three occasions) and Luis Suárez had previously accomplished the feat. Notably, Suárez was also the last Blaugrana player to score a “perfect hat-trick”—one goal each with head, right foot, and left foot—before Raphinha replicated the achievement against Sevilla.

    Why This Matters

    Raphinha’s emergence as a world-class center-forward fundamentally alters Barcelona’s sporting trajectory and the broader European transfer landscape. The club entered the summer window prioritizing a traditional number nine, with Julián Álvarez identified as the primary target. Atlético Madrid’s intransigence forced Hansi Flick to innovate internally, converting a winger who had never trained as a striker into the focal point of an attack that has produced 36 goals in eight matches—31 in LaLiga and five in the Champions League. Raphinha accounts for nearly 40% of that output, rendering the absences of Robert Lewandowski (19 goals in 46 games last season) and Ferran Torres (21 in 49) statistically negligible. This development validates Flick’s tactical flexibility and the squad’s adaptability, while simultaneously strengthening Barcelona’s negotiating position in future windows: they no longer face the desperation that often inflates transfer fees. For Raphinha individually, the Ballon d’Or snub despite historic numbers highlights the award’s persistent bias toward traditional strikers and high-profile transfers, potentially fueling a second-half surge that could force a reevaluation before voting concludes.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many goals has Raphinha scored for Barcelona this season?

    Raphinha has scored 14 goals in Barcelona’s first eight competitive matches of the 2024-25 season, including 12 goals in the first seven LaLiga matchdays.

    What records has Raphinha broken with this start?

    He holds the best goalscoring start in Barcelona history (surpassing César Rodríguez’s 13 goals), the third-best start in LaLiga history (behind Esteban Echevarría and Cristiano Ronaldo), and is the first Barcelona player since Luis Suárez to score a perfect hat-trick. He also joins Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez as the only Barcelona players with multiple league hat-tricks in a single season.

    Why is Raphinha playing as a center-forward instead of a winger?

    Head coach Hansi Flick first tested him as a “9” in a friendly against Basel on August 16. The move became permanent after Barcelona failed to sign primary target Julián Álvarez from Atlético de Madrid. Raphinha had never previously trained as a striker but has thrived in the role since his competitive debut at center-forward against Elche on August 23.

  • Fermin: ‘I think I’m a little different from Xavi and Andres’

    Fermin: ‘I think I’m a little different from Xavi and Andres’

    Key Highlights

    • Barcelona midfielder Fermín López distinguishes his playing style from club legends Xavi and Andrés Iniesta despite occupying similar midfield positions.
    • The Spain international emphasizes a more attack-oriented, goal-scoring approach compared to his predecessors’ playmaking focus.
    • López missed the FIFA World Cup due to injury but has since established himself as a key figure for Barcelona and the national team.

    Fermín López Charts His Own Midfield Path at Barcelona

    Barcelona academy graduate Fermín López has moved to clarify his stylistic identity within a lineage of iconic midfielders, explicitly separating his game from that of club legends Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta. While acknowledging the positional overlap—all three operate in the interior midfield channels—the 21-year-old Spain international insists his natural instincts lean decisively toward the final third. In recent comments, López described his approach as fundamentally more aggressive in attacking terms, prioritizing goal contributions and forward runs over the deep-lying orchestration that defined the Xavi-Iniesta era.

    From La Masia to the First Team: A Different Profile

    López’s rise through La Masia has been marked by a profile that blends technical assurance with a pronounced vertical threat. Unlike Xavi, who governed tempo from a deeper registry, or Iniesta, whose genius lay in progressive carrying and chance creation from wider or half-space positions, López frequently arrives late in the box and strikes from distance. This distinction is not merely rhetorical; it reflects a tactical evolution at Barcelona under Hansi Flick, where interior midfielders are encouraged to penetrate the penalty area as supplementary attackers. The Andalusian’s goal tally since breaking into the first team underscores a tangible output that aligns with his self-assessment.

    World Cup Setback and Subsequent Resurgence

    Context adds weight to López’s current trajectory. A significant injury ruled him out of Spain’s 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar, a tournament where La Roja exited in the round of 16. The setback delayed his senior international debut, but he has since become a regular feature in Luis de la Fuente’s squads, earning caps and contributing to Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph. His resilience through rehabilitation and rapid adaptation to top-level demands have reinforced his reputation as a player of mental fortitude as well as technical quality.

    Why This Matters

    López’s self-definition signals a broader shift in Barcelona’s midfield philosophy. The club is moving away from the “control and dominate” archetype that defined its golden era toward a more dynamic, multi-functional model suited to modern transitional football. For Spain, his emergence provides a goal-scoring midfield option that complements technical controllers like Rodri and Pedri. As Barcelona navigates a post-Xavi managerial landscape and Spain builds toward the 2026 World Cup, López’s distinct profile offers tactical flexibility that neither of his legendary predecessors provided in their primes. His continued development will be a barometer for both club and country’s strategic direction.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How does Fermín López’s playing style differ from Xavi and Iniesta?

    López describes his game as more attack-focused and goal-oriented, emphasizing forward runs, late arrival in the box, and shooting, whereas Xavi and Iniesta were renowned for deep playmaking, tempo control, and chance creation.

    Why did Fermín López miss the 2022 World Cup?

    He was ruled out of Spain’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar due to a significant injury sustained prior to the tournament.

    What role does Fermín López play for Barcelona and Spain?

    He operates as an interior midfielder (number 8) with license to attack, functioning as a supplementary goal threat in Hansi Flick’s system at Barcelona and as a dynamic option in Luis de la Fuente’s Spain setup.

  • Gavi Opens Up on Difficult Years, Credits Flick: ‘He gave me confidence in important matches’

    Gavi Opens Up on Difficult Years, Credits Flick: ‘He gave me confidence in important matches’

    Gavi Opens Up on Career Struggles After Reclaiming Key Role at Barcelona

    Barcelona midfielder Gavi has spoken candidly about the challenging period he endured before reestablishing himself as a vital component of Hansi Flick’s squad. The Spain international acknowledged that recent years have tested his resilience, emphasizing the demanding nature of returning to peak performance levels at the highest stage of football.

    Road Back to Prominence Under Flick

    Since Flick’s arrival at Camp Nou, Gavi has worked his way back into a significant position within the team’s structure. The 20-year-old’s return to form represents a notable storyline in Barcelona’s current campaign, with the player himself reflecting on the mental and physical hurdles overcome during his rehabilitation and fight for minutes.

    Adversity and the Elite Standard

    In discussing his journey, Gavi highlighted the inherent difficulty of not just returning from setbacks, but rediscovering the elite standard required for a club of Barcelona’s stature. His comments underscore the often unseen psychological battle athletes face when navigating injury, competition for places, and the weight of expectation.

    The midfielder’s perspective offers insight into the professional athlete’s mindset when confronting adversity, framing his current contributions as the product of sustained effort through a difficult chapter.

  • Raphinha Assured of Long-Term Barcelona Future After Raising His Level, Reports Say

    Raphinha Assured of Long-Term Barcelona Future After Raising His Level, Reports Say

    Raphinha Secures Long-Term Barcelona Future After Explosive Start Under Hansi Flick

    Barcelona winger Raphinha has received assurances regarding his long-term future at the club following an exceptional start to the season under new manager Hansi Flick, according to a report from Diario Sport.

    Injury Struggles Behind Him, Brazilian Emerges as Key Leader

    The Brazilian international has effectively put his past injury troubles behind him, establishing himself as a pivotal leader within the squad. His current form represents a dramatic turnaround, with the attacker recording eight goals across his opening five official matches of the campaign.

    Flick’s System Unlocks Raphinha’s Peak Potential

    Under Flick’s tactical setup, Raphinha has flourished, demonstrating the clinical finishing and creative influence that initially attracted Barcelona to the player. The early-season statistics underscore his importance to the team’s attacking structure, positioning him as one of the most in-form forwards in European football.

    The club’s decision to secure his long-term commitment reflects confidence in his current trajectory and his central role in the project moving forward.

  • Raphinha Leads the Line and Sets Example as Barca Enjoys Hot Start

    Raphinha Leads the Line and Sets Example as Barca Enjoys Hot Start

    Barcelona’s Spotify Camp Nou pitch resembled a slip and slide early on Wednesday as Feyenoord defenders Jeremiah St. Juste and Charles Vanhoutte went sliding across the area just three minutes into the UEFA Champions League fixture. Torrential rain poured down as Barça forward Raphinha feigned to shoot on his right foot before cutting inside on his left. With St. Juste and Vanhoutte exiting the picture, Raphinha slotted home.

    The night did not improve for the Dutch side. The rain soon stopped, but the goals kept coming. Raphinha added a second, while Karim Adeyemi, Lamine Yamal, and Gabriel Jesus — scoring for the first time since his summer move from Arsenal — all found the net. Sem Steijn managed a consolation for Feyenoord, but Barcelona ran out convincing 5-1 winners.

    Historic Start Fuels European Ambitions

    It is already the fourth time this season Barcelona have netted five goals in a match, having played just five games. Though it is early days, there are reasons for the Spanish champions to believe this represents their best chance in a while to end a 12-year wait for a Champions League title by the time June’s final arrives in Madrid.

    After back-to-back LaLiga titles under coach Hansi Flick, winning a sixth European Cup has become an increasing obsession in Catalonia. Leading the charge in more ways than one is the man who sent St. Juste and Vanhoutte flying: Raphinha.

    Raphinha’s Evolution: Captain and Striker

    The Brazil international now leads the team as newly appointed club captain — “Raphinha capitán” chants rang around the stadium when he was substituted late on — and he unexpectedly leads the line as the side’s striker.

    Sporting director Deco had hoped to bring in Julián Álvarez to replace the outgoing Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres this summer. After Atlético Madrid refused to negotiate for the Argentina forward, Barcelona turned to Jesus as a low-cost squad option. Meanwhile, Raphinha, signed as a right winger from Leeds United in 2022 and converted to a left winger, has excelled as a No. 9. Perhaps benefiting from the break provided by Brazil’s early exit from the FIFA World Cup, he has scored eight goals this season, netting in each of Barcelona’s five games to date — a feat not achieved since 1950, when César Rodríguez managed it, according to Pedro Martin.

    In Europe he is particularly effective. Raphinha now has 28 goal contributions in the past three Champions League seasons; only Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane (29) has been directly involved in more goals in that span.

    Work Rate Sets the Standard

    But it’s not just his numbers. It’s his work rate. Raphinha hunts down every defender, relentlessly tracks back, and leads by example. He sets the standards for the other forwards, and they — including Yamal, who in different circumstances or other teams may be afforded some luxuries — follow.

    “If you don’t run, you don’t win,” Yamal said before the Feyenoord game.

    That attitude strangled Feyenoord in the early stages on Wednesday. Flick showcased Barcelona’s depth by making five changes — Jules Koundé, Andreas Christensen, João Cancelo, Dani Olmo, and Adeyemi replaced Eric García, Gerard Martín, Xavi Espart, Fermín López, and Anthony Gordon — and just three minutes were on the clock when Raphinha, set up by Yamal, opened the scoring. The pressing did not let up; the Eredivisie side was not allowed to breathe.

    Clinical Finishing and Record-Chasing Yamal

    Adeyemi added a stunning second from outside the box — his second for the club since his summer move from Borussia Dortmund — and Raphinha, whose center-forward run was superbly picked out by Pedri, made it three before the hour mark.

    Nacho Ferri had a goal ruled out for offside shortly after for the visitors, but the scoring was not done. Barcelona remained hungry.

    Yamal added the fourth via a slightly fortunate free kick. It was his 12th goal in the Champions League, moving him one shy of Kylian Mbappé’s record of 13 in the competition as a teenager — a record that will soon likely fall into Yamal’s hands.

    After scoring, he peeled away to celebrate with Raphinha, who had just been taken off, by the dugout.

    “I know how Lamine can dip out of a game when things aren’t going well,” Raphinha said of the celebration. “I had tried to encourage him. I told him he was going to score to make sure he wouldn’t lose his focus.

    “In the end, he got his goal. I was really happy for him. He needed that goal. That’s how you build a winning team — when you’re happy for one another.”

    Steijn pulled one back for Feyenoord, but Barcelona went again. Yamal turned provider this time, delivering a pinpoint cross for Jesus to glance home. It was Yamal’s 101st goal contribution for Barcelona — he’s still 19 — and Barcelona’s 22nd goal of the season already. Not since 1950-51 (23) have they scored more at this point in a campaign.

    Defensive Questions Remain Amid Attacking Brilliance

    The argument will be that bigger tests await. Rodri, signed from Manchester City, has improved how they control games, but how much can he improve them defensively after no new defender arrived this summer other than attacking full back Cancelo?

    Those questions are for another day, perhaps. It’s easy to see why Barcelona might get carried away with the way Flick has his side purring in attack.

    “In a season as long as this, there are many ups and downs,” Raphinha added. “Starting the season like this obviously gives us a lot of confidence. Now we have to continue like this. We have to hope the downs are as small as possible.”

    Curiously, Raphinha was one of the big absentees when the 30-player shortlist was announced for the Ballon d’Or on Monday. Carry on like this and he won’t be missing next year.

    “I’m not talking about the Ballon d’Or,” he said. “I’m only talking about Barcelona. We’re having a spectacular season.”

  • Barcelona Faces Champions League Debut With Three Squad Absences

    Barcelona Faces Champions League Debut With Three Squad Absences

    Barcelona has announced its 23-man squad for the Champions League opener against Feyenoord, marking the club’s first step in a competition it has not won since the Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suarez era delivered the trophy in 2015.

    Eric Garcia the only change from Valencia win

    The list is nearly identical to the side that secured a 0-5 victory in Valencia days ago, with one expected absence. Eric Garcia misses the match through suspension after his red card in the second leg of last season’s quarter-finals at the Metropolitano. The defender also suffered a broken nose in a collision with teammate Rodri at Mestalla, forcing his withdrawal before half-time.

    De Jong and Roony Bardghji remain sidelined

    The other two unavailable squad members are Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji, both nursing injuries sustained during the summer.

    Addressing De Jong’s condition in the pre-match press conference, head coach Hansi Flick stated: “Es un jugador que tiene una enorme calidad y estoy muy contento de que esté con nosotros, se tiene que recuperar y trabajar, todo va como estaba previsto y espero que lo podamos ver en unas semanas, veremos qué pasa después del parón de selecciones”, dijo el entrenador.

    Full Barcelona squad for Champions League debut

    The complete list of players called up for the UEFA Champions League phase opener:

    • Joan Garcia
    • Joan Cancelo
    • Alejandro Balde
    • Brian Fariñas
    • Pau Cubarsi
    • Gavi
    • Fermin Lopez
    • Pedri
    • Gabriel Jesus
    • Lamine Yamal
    • Raphinha
    • Xavi Espart
    • Wojciech Szczesny
    • Karim Adeyemi
    • Andreas Christensen
    • Rodri
    • Anthony Gordon
    • Gerard Martin
    • Dani Olmo
    • Marc Bernal
    • Jules Kounde
    • Dominik Livakovic
    • Hamza Abdelkarim

    Feyenoord arrive in strong form

    Barcelona will face a Feyenoord side unbeaten this season as they target their first three points in the new league phase. While the Catalans have won all four of their domestic fixtures, the Dutch outfit boasts three victories and two draws in the opening five Eredivisie rounds. Extending the run to include last campaign, Gio van Bronckhorst’s team—a familiar opponent from previous European encounters—remains undefeated in 19 consecutive matches.

  • Lamine Yamal sends message to Mbappé: “I won’t beg for the Ballon d’Or”

    Lamine Yamal sends message to Mbappé: “I won’t beg for the Ballon d’Or”

    Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal faced the media ahead of the Champions League clash against Feyenoord, delivering a wide-ranging press conference that touched on his happiness, captaincy, Ballon d’Or prospects, and the team’s ambitions for the season.

    Champions League the ‘big objective’

    Yamal made clear that Europe’s premier club competition remains the primary target for Hansi Flick’s side.

    “It’s the big objective, there’s no greater motivation. We’re all motivated. We have it in our heads. It’s the most special tournament. This year it could be with the players who have arrived, Gordon, Rodri, Adeyemi, Joao…”

    The teenager emphasized the collective drive within the squad, reiterating: “The Champions League is the big objective, we are all very motivated.”

    Pride in the captain’s armband

    At just 19, Yamal has already worn the captain’s armband for Barcelona, a responsibility he embraces.

    “It is a source of pride to be captain of Barça at 19 years old. I am grateful to my teammates for choosing me. I am 19 years old but I want to live up to it. I am happy. It makes me feel responsible. I will give my best for the team.”

    He also praised the leadership group around him: “Rapha is an incredible captain, and Eric, Pedri… I learn from them to always seek what is best for the team.”

    Ballon d’Or talk and campaign stance

    Asked about individual accolades, Yamal acknowledged his chances but refused to engage in self-promotion.

    “It doesn’t depend on me, it depends on you. The work with Barça and the national team has been incredible. I have options, I had a great year. But we’ll see.”

    On the idea of a media campaign for the award, he was blunt: “I don’t think I need to campaign. Everyone can think whatever they want. I’m proud of what I’ve done and I can’t ask for more. It’s your job, I won’t beg for anything.” He later repeated the sentiment: “I don’t think I need to campaign to win the Ballon d’Or.”

    Pressing, growth, and squad competition

    Yamal addressed the tactical demands of the modern game, citing Paris Saint-Germain as an example of collective pressing.

    “In title-winning teams, like PSG, everyone presses. You have to run, no matter who you are. If you don’t run, you lose.”

    On personal development, he said: “Collectively, titles and the Champions League. And individually, improve. I’m young. That’s my objective.”

    Regarding competition for places and the possibility of being a substitute, Yamal showed maturity: “It doesn’t scare me, there are great players. I’m prepared to be a substitute. It doesn’t scare me.” He later reinforced: “I’m not afraid of being a substitute.”

    On his physical growth, he added: “I think that when you grow up, you don’t realize it. I’m a ‘kid’ and I’m growing, but I’m not two meters tall. I’m shorter than Cubarsí or Bernal. I’m like everyone else.”

    Relationship with teammates and rivals

    Yamal spoke warmly of his connections within the squad, particularly Fermín López and Dani Olmo: “They are tremendous players, I feel comfortable with them and get on great with them, although they are different.”

    Asked about Real Madrid’s recent trophy drought, he deflected: “If they have gone two years without winning, that is their problem. We are happy with the refereeing. That’s a question for them. I see them as happy.” He earlier framed it similarly: “If Real Madrid have gone two years without winning, that’s their problem; I see them as happy.”

    ‘Vacation of my life’ and happiness

    Addressing speculation about his mood during the off-season, Yamal was unequivocal.

    “I’m very happy, I don’t know why there was so much talk. I had the vacation of my life. At no point have I been happier than I am now.”

    He summarized the feeling again: “I had the vacation of my life, I’ve never been happier.”

    Dembélé and the Ballon d’Or debate

    On Ousmane Dembélé declining to name a Ballon d’Or favorite, Yamal downplayed any tension.

    “He’s a friend of Kylian’s… I don’t care. I’m very happy with the year I’ve had. When I’ve faced both of them, I’ve won. I get along very well with Ousmane. Everyone has seen my year, if he hasn’t…”

    He reiterated: “Dembélé is a friend of Kylian… I am very happy with the year I have had.”

    Grounded by family and respect for Xavi

    Yamal credited his environment for keeping him level-headed: “I’m in a locker room with people who have done more than me. Then I’m with my family, who keep my feet on the ground.”

    He also had kind words for his former coach: “He is a great coach. I have great affection for him, I hope things go well for him, except against Spain.”

  • Barcelona Coach Hansi Flick Downplays Concerns Over Lamine Yamal’s Slow Start to the Season

    Barcelona Coach Hansi Flick Downplays Concerns Over Lamine Yamal’s Slow Start to the Season

    Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has played down concerns about Lamine Yamal’s slow start to the new season, saying the club will support the forward after a demanding few months.

    Yamal, 19, has started Barcelona’s opening two matches but has yet to score or provide an assist, despite the Spanish champions recording 5-0 and 2-0 victories over Elche and Athletic Club.

    The teenager’s demeanour in and around the Elche match was questioned by Spanish media, with Flick later revealing that Yamal had been suffering from headaches. However, the forward appeared much more relaxed in training ahead of Monday’s home match against Rayo Vallecano.

    “It’s always good when a player’s smiling,” Flick said in a news conference of the upturn in Yamal’s mood. “Every day is not the same for anyone. I am also not smiling every day.”

    “I know everyone is worried [about] how Lamine is and how he’s doing, but you have to look at the situation.”

    “He played the World Cup after a huge injury; now he is coming back after a three week holiday. His first game was maybe not his best, but I was happy he started and worked for the team.”

    Yamal injured his hamstring in April but returned in time to play at the World Cup, featuring in all eight matches as Spain lifted the trophy in New Jersey in July.

    His extended involvement in the tournament delayed his return to Barcelona’s preseason training. Flick, though, believes there are already signs that Yamal is ready to regain his best form after his slow start to the campaign.

    “In Elche, he gave us more opportunities; this was excellent,” the German coach added. “And now he played 90 minutes against Athletic and for him, at the moment, it’s also good to stay on the pitch for 90.”

    “We saw him in some situations on this top level. You could see this again in training today. He was excellent. This is how everyone loves Lamine. He’s in a good way. We have to support him and we will do that.”

    Raphinha thriving in Barcelona striker role

    Raphinha, meanwhile, has made an excellent start to the season, scoring three goals while operating as a No.9 as Barcelona continue their search for a new striker.

    “As a No.9, you always start the pressing and he’s doing this very good,” Flick said of the Brazilian’s new role in the side.

    “He is one of our leaders on the pitch. When he starts the intensity, the dynamic, everyone is included. And in front of the goal he’s doing fantastic. This is why he is playing there.”

    Raphinha’s deployment as a striker could continue until at least January. Barcelona appear unlikely to sign a new forward after Atlético Madrid refused to engage in negotiations over their leading target, Julián Álvarez.

    Barcelona’s public pursuit of Álvarez has been one of the major transfer sagas of the summer, featuring prominently in news conferences. Flick was surprised not to be asked about the Argentina international on Sunday.

    “Are you not going to ask about Julián?” he joked. “[You could], but I would just give you the same [non] answer as always.”

    With a deal for Álvarez proving impossible, Barcelona are unlikely to sign a striker before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. The club remains alert to potential opportunities in the coming days and is also seeking a left-sided centre-back.

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    “We are always looking about what is possible until the end of the market,” Flick said.

    “[Sporting director] Deco is working on that; if we can strengthen the team. This is what he’s doing. But [we are] calm, we don’t have pressure.”

    Barcelona team news ahead of Rayo Vallecano

    Barcelona will aim to make it three wins from three when they host Rayo Vallecano on Monday at Spotify Camp Nou. Summer signing Rodri is pushing for his first start after returning to training on Sunday.

    Gavi is expected to miss out again because of bruising on his knee, while long-term absentees Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji are also unavailable.

  • Barcelona Signs Gabriel Jesus, Moves On From Julián Álvarez

    Barcelona Signs Gabriel Jesus, Moves On From Julián Álvarez

    Barcelona are close to completing the signing of Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus after holding negotiations with the Premier League club in recent hours.

    The Catalan side had initially planned not to sign another forward if it could not finalize the arrival of Julián Alvarez. However, Barcelona have changed their approach after an unexpected opportunity emerged in the transfer market.

    Barcelona agree Gabriel Jesus transfer

    Barcelona will pay €10 million plus variables for Gabriel Jesus, with the two clubs having reached an agreement that is expected to be signed shortly.

    The Brazilian forward is expected to arrive in Barcelona on Monday or Tuesday to undergo his medical examination. The club then intends to make the transfer official before Jesus begins training under Hansi Flick.

    Source: www.marca.com