Flick To Defend ‘Emotional’ Teen Yamal Against Criticism

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said he would defend teenage star Lamine Yamal against criticism for his occasional “emotional” outbursts, ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Atletico Madrid.

The 18-year-old winger did not celebrate Barca’s late winner in the 2-1 victory at Atletico in LaLiga on Saturday that took the Catalans seven points clear at the top of the table.

Yamal was visibly irritated, with Spanish media reporting it was because a member of the Barcelona coaching staff admonished him from the sidelines for shooting when he could have passed.

The Spain international has also shown his anger at being substituted by Flick in the past, and the coach said he would back Yamal regardless.

“What we have to see is that Lamine is 18 years old and for me he’s an unbelievable player, you can see it when you watch the game again – what he’s doing is unbelievable,” Flick told reporters Tuesday.

“But he’s only 18, sometimes he’s angry when I substitute him. He had a situation in which he dribbled past four or five players, then shot and missed.

“Sometimes he’s frustrated he didn’t score this goal, and he’s like that, he’s emotional, and this is good. I will always support him.”

Flick admitted that Yamal’s sideline displays of disapproval sometimes create headlines that are not ideal for the team.

“He’s a fantastic player, on the right (path), we will help him to develop,” the German coach said.

“Not everything that he’s doing is good, as it creates this noise around our team. I know everyone is looking to him because he’s a fantastic player, but we also have to keep in mind that he’s 18 years old.

“Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. I said to him, no problem, you can do it, and I will always protect you. This is what I want for him, show everyone on the pitch how good he is, and he will be one of the best, maybe the best player in the future.”