Ahead of Barcelona’s clash with RCD Mallorca this weekend, manager Hansi Flick said he was happy with the progress shown by Lamine Yamal in recent weeks. For the first time in his career, he has scored in four consecutive games, and has been making the difference in recent weeks.
A sour note for Barcelona is the continued absence of Raphinha. The Brazilian is yet to return to training after suffering a hamstring injury, and is now expected to return for next week’s Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid. Flick couldn’t provide more clarity.
“We have to wait and see if he will be there for the Cup, it’s day to day right now. We need to stay calm and take it one step at a time.”
Development of Lamine Yamal
Against Albacete, Lamine Yamal was again Barcelona’s best player. In recent weeks, Flick has challenged him to improve his career outside of football, but he seems happy with his progress.
“I’m very happy with him, with his development. The most important thing for players like him is that he’s happy. He’s focused, the way he plays, provides assists, scores goals… he’s in great form and will bring us a lot of joy in the years to come.”
“It’s important to grow and give yourself every day to win titles. Right now he’s in form and that’s good. He’s very smart on and off the field. He’s very good off the field. If he trains 100% and gives 100% on the field, you know it. We help him with other things.”
Frenkie de Jong role
Another player who has risen in recent weeks besides Pedri is Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman has had more of an impact on games without the Canary Islander directing the news.
“I think it’s a matter of the player himself. He can play as a defensive midfielder or a midfielder. He has grown as a leader on the pitch. I talk to him a lot. He feels comfortable in Barcelona, he likes it a lot here. We have to continue this. It is important that he maintains this level. We expect a lot from him, and he accepts that.”
🚨 OFFICIAL: FC Barcelona will face Atlético Madrid in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. pic.twitter.com/rdtae22leh
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Embrace relationships with players
After Barcelona beat Albacete on Tuesday night, goalscorer Ronald Araujo expressed his gratitude to Flick for the way he treated him. He was not the first to call him ‘father’.
“Sometimes they see me as old (laughs), it’s because of my age, in your work, in your business, if the atmosphere is good, you work better and you are motivated to give more. This is my philosophy.”
“We played three games in six days, but I saw a good attitude from my players, and that’s what I’m happy about. My philosophy is that there should be a good atmosphere and respect from the coach to the players and from the players to the coach. That’s how we make them do their best.”
Players such as Fermin Lopez, Gavi, Pedri and Raphinha have spoken highly of Flick’s management, and he seems to have a strong bond with his players at Barcelona. Last season the improvement in weather was credited with a dramatic improvement over the previous year.
