Lamine Yamal and his call-up to the national team for the upcoming break were once again one of the central themes of Hansi Flick’s press conference before the game against Celta Vigo. “He is recovering his level, but he is not yet 100%. He still feels discomfort. We have to take care of him, not only here, but also in the national team, which I think they also do. That’s all I can say,” said the Barça coach. Flick confirmed that he was not in contact with Luis de la Fuente —“No, I didn’t speak (to them)”, he said, referring to the national coaches—, for whom Lamine’s performance last Wednesday in Bruges did not go unnoticed. “I think he is in perfect condition,” said the coach this Friday after presenting the squad for La Roja’s next games against Georgia and Turkey, starting next week.
Hours later, president Joan Laporta, after open training at the Camp Nou, responded: “I understand this as recognition. He is the best in his position and it is normal for people to call him up. Flick, in turn, was more discreet when asked about his president’s words: “I ask the same thing as when he plays here: that they take care of him.” Both the Federation and the club share the common objective of protecting the striker. But in recent months, the call-up of Barça’s number 10, the number of minutes played and their public discomfort have been regular topics in both coaches’ press conferences.
Meanwhile, Lamine has been focusing on gaining rhythm on the field. “There was a lot of talk about my pubalgia, or that I was very sad. But I was the same as always: focused on what I did and trying to play at this level, which is how I feel best and have the best moment”, said Barça’s number 10 after the draw with Bruges. “He changed his discipline, he is much better. He is training very well, also in the gym. He follows the daily treatment. It is very important for the injury that he is doing this”, concluded Flick this Saturday, who has already warned on several occasions that even so, Lamine’s physical problem has not been completely overcome.
Lamine was once again at Bruges, but not at Barça. “In Bruges we didn’t see the fighting spirit we needed. I hope we see it tomorrow,” said Flick, who in turn denied the players’ lack of commitment. The Barça striker returns to Las Rozas next Monday, but first, on Sunday, he will have to go through Balaídos against a Celta team that is ready to go.
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