Barcelona coach Hansi Flick performed down concerns over Lamine Yamal‘s start to the new season, saying he’ll assist the ahead after a draining few months.
Yamal, 19, has began Barça’s opening two video games of the season however has not but registered a aim or an help regardless of the Spanish champions registering 5-0 and 2-0 wins over Elche and Athletic Club.
His manner in and round the Elche recreation was questioned in the media in Spain — with Flick later revealing he was affected by complications — however he appeared far more jovial in coaching forward of Monday’s go to from Rayo Vallecano.
“It’s always good when a player’s smiling,” Flick mentioned in a information convention of the upturn in Yamal’s temper. “Every day is not the same for anyone. I am also not smiling every day.
“I do know everyone seems to be frightened [about] how Lamine is and the way he is doing, however you might have to take a look at the state of affairs.
“He played the World Cup after a huge injury; now he is coming back after a three week holiday. His first game was maybe not his best, but I was happy he started and worked for the team.”
Yamal injured his hamstring in April however returned to characteristic at the World Cup, enjoying all eight video games as Spain lifted the trophy in New Jersey in July.
That meant a delayed return to preseason coaching, however Flick says there are already indicators he’s prepared to kick on once more after making a gradual start to the marketing campaign.
“In Elche, he gave us more opportunities; this was excellent,” the German coach added. “And now he played 90 minutes against Athletic and for him, at the moment, it’s also good to stay on the pitch for 90.
“We noticed him in some conditions on this prime stage. You may see this once more in coaching as we speak. He was wonderful. This is how everybody loves Lamine. He’s in a great way. We have to assist him and we are going to try this.”
Raphinha, meanwhile, has started the season in fine form, scoring three goals while playing as a No.9 as Barça’s search for a new striker goes on.
“As a No.9, you at all times start the urgent and he is doing this excellent,” Flick said of the Brazilian’s new role in the side.
“He is one in all our leaders on the pitch. When he begins the depth, the dynamic, everyone seems to be included. And in entrance of the aim he is doing implausible. This is why he’s enjoying there.”
Raphinha’s deployment as a striker could continue until at least January, with Barça looking unlikely to sign a new striker due to Atlético Madrid‘s refusal to engage in negotiations over their top target, Julián Álvarez.
Barça’s public pursuit of Álvarez has been one of the sagas of the summer, dominating every news conference so much that Flick was surprised at not being asked about the Argentine on Sunday.
“Are you not going to ask about Julián?” he joked. “[You could], however I’d simply provide you with the similar [non] reply as at all times.”
With a deal for Álvarez proving impossible, Barça are unlikely to sign a striker before Tuesday’s deadline, although they remain alert to any opportunities which may present themselves in the coming days, with a left-sided centre-back also wanted.
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“We are at all times trying about what is feasible till the finish of the market,” Flick said.
“[Sporting director] Deco is engaged on that; if we are able to strengthen the workforce. This is what he is doing. But [we are] calm, we do not have strain.”
Barça will look to make it three wins from three on Monday after they host Rayo at Spotify Camp Nou, with summer season signing Rodri pushing for his first start after returning to coaching on Sunday.
Gavi, nonetheless, is predicted to be lacking once more with bruising on his knee, together with long-term absentees Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji.