The young football prodigy, Lamine Yamal, has downplayed concerns expressed by his coach, Hansi Flick, about possible “egos” in the Barcelona dressing room this season. Yamal, with surprising maturity at his 18 years of age, made it clear that his ambition is maximum and that any player who denies his desire to win the Ballon d’Or would be lying.
Reactions after the draw
Flick’s statements came after the 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano. Yamal, in an interview, suggested that Flick’s comments were a product of the heat of the moment and do not reflect the reality of the team. “After a draw, one is heated because in the end you have to win. But I don’t think it has to do with that. We have taken seven points out of a possible nine in difficult stadiums. We still haven’t played at home,” said the player.
The young footballer, who finished in eighth position in the 2024 edition of the Ballon d’Or, believes he has had a good season both with the national team and with Barcelona, and is excited about what is to come. He also mentioned the importance of the World Cup in the calendar. Regarding external criticism, Yamal states that it doesn’t affect him. “I’ve realized that everything that happens in my life will be talked about and, on many occasions, will be invented because things have happened in my life that I didn’t know. I don’t care much. In the end, I already said it when I signed my new contract, both for the good and the bad, I only listen to my circle.” Yamal has proven his worth on the field with two goals and three assists in the first league matches. “The most difficult thing is to win again after already having won,” commented Yamal regarding LaLiga. “But we are a young squad that hasn’t won four leagues in a row. We always want more.”Being there at 18, I think it’s something to be valued, and hopefully it will happen. We want to win the Champions League. Both things [Ballon d’Or and Champions League] are a dream. Above all, the Champions League for Barcelona would be incredible.
Lamine Yamal
