Hansi Flick spoke to the press on Friday to preview the upcoming La Liga match against Getafe, but many of the questions were about another matter: Lamine Yamal.
The teenager is out for the season after suffering a hamstring injury against Celta Vigo in midweek, and Barça will have to cope with the absence of their best player for the final six games of the season as they try to clinch the La Liga title.
Flick explained when and how the injury happened, how the team can adapt to Yamal’s absence, and was
confident Lamine will be back in time for the World Cup and will be even better after overcoming the first major injury setback of his career.
“It’s not easy for him or for us. We have to manage it. He’ll learn from his first muscle injury. He’ll surely be ready for the World Cup and will come back stronger.
“He felt something after the penalty, but nothing serious, so we decided he’d take it. It was his first muscle injury, and it’s not easy to interpret the signs. He’ll learn because he’s very young. He’s already missed games this season, and it wasn’t too bad for us.
“We need him, yes, but we’re a team and if a player is missing, we have to stick together and give 100% or more for our teammates. There are six games left and the goal is always to win. We have the quality to play a great game.
“At 18, he’s doing very well, considering the pressure he’s under. I think this is the fourth question about him, which speaks to his importance. He’s more mature, he’s intelligent, and he’s demonstrating that every week. It’s normal that he’s feeling down right now. I wish him a good World Cup, at his best, and for that, the important thing is that he has a good recovery.”
Are you as confident as Flick that Barça can still clinch the league title without Lamine, Barça fans?
