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.
