Lamine Yamal, on Flick and Real Madrid: praise and a devastating message

Despite having been in charge of the first team of FC Barcelona for just over 8 months, Hansi Flick has made a radical shift in the club's dynamics and has put it back where it deserves, at the very top of the football world. Lamine Yamal has established himself as the main pillar of the German's project in the Catalan city, and in his interview with 'SPORT' he revealed the keys to the coach's success on the Barcelona bench. 

"He has instilled in us that the most important thing is intensity, that we fight for each other, that we give everything for the shirt, for the players, for the fans, for the family... We must always have the desire to win," the footballer began by saying, later stating that the coach is "very approachable, he cares about everyone, he explains everything to know where to improve or not. We appreciate it".

However, the coach's firmness regarding punctuality is well known, severely punishing those who do not comply with the scheduled times, with Jules Koundé being his main victim. Regarding this, Yamal commented that "luckily I haven't been late. If not, I wouldn't have played like it happened to Jules (Koundé). He is a coach who knows what he must do to earn the respect of the team".

Additionally, he confessed that Flick is starting to feel more comfortable with Spanish, although, according to the winger, the German communicates most of the time "in English, but he already says something in Spanish. In my case, we communicate in English".

Lamine's stance on criticism for his 'lack of goals'

Regarding his statements after scoring against Atlético Madrid last weekend, where he claimed he saves goals for important matches, Yamal maintained that "all matches are important, but it is always said that in the context of the Champions League, I do well against Atlético or Real Madrid".

"The next thing they will say is that I don't provide assists... I'm very calm"

Moreover, he downplayed those comments that claimed he lacked goals, stating that "as long as it is not said that I am in a bad moment or underperforming, they will always find something. The next thing they will say is that I don't provide assists... I'm very calm".

When asked if he feels equally happy about an assist as he does about a goal, the forward confessed that "it depends on the assist. If it's an assist where you make a pass and the teammate goes past everyone to score, I feel happy, but you don't enjoy it the same way. Regardless, I'm always happy providing assists or scoring goals as long as it's good for the team".

Regarding his physical change and the resistance to the numerous tackles he receives, since last season he was brought down many times, the footballer stated that "it's an evolution of my body. The more I grow, the more strength I will have in my lower and upper body. The change is noticeable. Last year I couldn't get past three opponents because physically I wasn't there. Now I can shoot from midfield. It's part of the work. Now we often counterattack and you need to have the physicality to withstand play after play".

His stance on rival tackles contrasts greatly with that of Vinicius Jr., who is increasingly famous for his 'dives'. However, far from entering into controversy, Yamal assured that "everyone receives a hit differently. If you get hit and they say you dived, they should also consider the speed at which you are going. In this matter, I have no reference. When I get hit, I fall, and when I can continue, I do".

Is Barça the favorite for the Champions?

Yamal was asked whether, at this point in the season, he feels that a title is approaching, to which he replied that "it's something I felt last season when PSG eliminated us in the Champions League. Yes, I have this feeling of being part of a winning team. Last year, the match against Atlético Madrid, a match like the one on Sunday, we wouldn't have won. Just like against Benfica. We have the feeling of being a winning team, that wants more and more".

"We are the ones who do the most damage to Real Madrid"

On the other hand, regarding a hypothetical Champions League final against Real Madrid, the footballer sent a strong message to the Barcelona fans, with a 'note' for the Madridistas. "You shouldn't fear any team. I already said that in the Champions League, Liverpool was the favorite for finishing first in the group stage and then we came. I am not afraid of any team. We are the ones who do the most damage to Real Madrid and vice versa".

Finally, Lamine made it clear that he believes Barça is the favorite to lift the 'Orejona'. "If you think you are not the favorite, you are already starting to lose. You don't think about being beaten. You think you are the best team, the one that plays best and has the most chances to win," he concluded.