New Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has lauded Lamine Yamal’s “unbelievable” performances at UEFA Euro 2024, while emphasizing that the 17-year-old still has room for growth. Yamal played a pivotal role for Spain in the European Championships, contributing to five goals as La Roja clinched their record fourth title in Germany.
Yamal had a breakthrough season with Barcelona, featuring in 50 matches across all competitions, scoring seven goals, and providing 10 assists.
“He’s done a really great job over the last year,” Hansi Flick said. “He’s improved a lot and step by step he is continuing at this level.
“What he did at the Euros was unbelievable, but now, big players also continue to bring their performances and it is necessary for him to stay with both legs on the ground.
“He’s a great guy, I got to speak with him when he arrived and he’s now in this team and he can give us those great moments.
“But he can also improve and also he can make things better. This is our part but he is on a really fantastic path.”
Hansi Flick officially took the reins as Barcelona’s head coach on Thursday, succeeding Xavi in May. The 59-year-old’s impressive resume includes managing the German national team and securing seven titles during his tenure with Bayern Munich.
FC Barcelona finished second in La Liga last season, trailing Real Madrid, who captured their 36th league title and 15th UEFA Champions League trophy. Flick urged for patience but expressed his determination to compete for silverware.
“LaLiga is an important competition and I think it’s good to work hard before you speak about our big goal,” Flick said.
“This club, they always want to play for titles so this is why I am here, why we are always here. Give me some more weeks and I can answer you better.
“This is my job. I am a coach and I am the coach of Barcelona so I know what happens.
“The results are very important but I think at the end, we want to play well of course, but we also want to give everything on the pitch.
“When we are in the match, we have to be well-prepared and then the players have to show the hard work on the pitch – for me that is crucial.”
