Hansi Flick: delighted with Lamine Yamal's return and with his sights set on PSG

Lamine Yamal shone in his return to action with FC Barcelona against Real Sociedad (2-1). The '10' entered for Roony Bardghji in the 57th minute and, in his first intervention, overflowed on the right to assist Robert Lewandowski with what, in the end, was the goal that was worth the three points and return to the LaLiga lead.

In the post-match press conference, Hansi Flick did not skimp on praise for the player from Mataró. The 18-year-old winger has 2 goals and 3 assists in the tournament, although he missed the previous three matchdays due to pubalgia.

"It's splendid to have him back. Everyone has been able to see how good Lamine is. He has quickly demonstrated that he is exceptional. The whole team has done a great job," the German coach began by saying.

Lamine Yamal, ready to return to Barça's XI against PSG

Lamine Yamal celebrating his assist to Lewandowski against Real (2-1)

In that sense, Yamal's good performance against Real seems to confirm his presence in the lineup against Paris Saint-Germain, on Wednesday for the second matchday of the Champions League league phase. The 18-year-old scored a goal in the 74th minute, disallowed for offside after beating Ahien Muñoz to the back. 

In addition, towards the end, he filtered another cross pass from his wing to Ferran Torres. The 'Shark' arrived with little angle to shoot and gave way to Lewandowski, who burst the crossbar with a powerful close-range shot. Flick, however, will talk about Paris from Monday.

"Tomorrow we will begin to focus all our attention on PSG," argued the azulgrana coach. What the Heidelberg native did make clear was his satisfaction with the team's response to a calendar that gives no respite.

"Since the last match we have had 68 hours of rest and it is incredible that all the players are giving their best version," added the coach. On the other hand, he referred again to Lamine's second place in the 2025 Ballon d'Or voting.

"It is a decision that we cannot change, but next year I think (Lamine) will try to achieve it. We have many players who can win it"

Hansi Flick, satisfied with Barça's performance to regain the Liga lead

Similarly, Hansi Flick acknowledged the good work done by Barcelona to turn the result around against a Real Sociedad that, in his opinion, 'plays very well' despite being in the lower area of the standings.

"It has been difficult for us, but we have deserved it. In less than 68 hours we have the next match and I greatly value the performance. Although we changed the eleven a bit, everyone gives their best. That is what I love," said the Barça coach.

With the comeback against the Donostiarras, the azulgrana team has 19 points out of a possible 21, the product of six wins and a draw. Along with Elche, the culés are the only undefeated team in LaLiga. "It has been a team victory. They knew how to play and it has been a difficult job, but we deserved to win," Flick sentenced.

"The lead is good. It puts pressure on the opponents, on Real Madrid and on those behind. We have to defend this position"