Barcelona Coach Hansi Flick Discusses Lamine Yamal's Progress

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has stated that 19-year-old Lamine Yamal is improving and finding his way back to his "top level" ahead of the La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano. Yamal struggled in Barcelona's opening match of the season against Elche but showed improvement in the subsequent match against Athletic Bilbao, according to Flick, although he did not score. Flick acknowledged concerns about Yamal's performance, noting that he played in the World Cup following a significant injury. "I know everyone is worried about how is Lamine, how is he doing. And of course, look at his situation – he played a World Cup after a huge injury," Flick said during a press conference on Sunday. Yamal has not reached his best form since suffering a hamstring injury in April. Despite limited individual impact at the World Cup, Flick believes Yamal is on the right track after returning from a three-week holiday. "Now he’s coming back after three weeks holiday, and also the first game maybe was not his best game. But I said this, I was very happy that he starts the game and he worked for the team," Flick added. Yamal had a disappointing first half against Athletic but improved in the second half, playing the full 90 minutes. Flick noted, "We saw him in some situations really on this top level. And now, you couldn’t see this in the training today, but I saw it, and it was excellent." Flick also mentioned that Yamal appeared happier in training leading up to the Rayo match compared to his mood after the Elche game. "Of course, it’s always good when the players are smiling, but it’s not every day the same way," he said. Barcelona has won both of their opening fixtures, with Raphinha stepping in as a makeshift number nine due to the team's inability to secure their top target, Julian Alvarez, from Atletico Madrid. Flick expressed satisfaction with the current squad and stated, "Of course, I’m happy with my team. [Sporting director] Deco is working on that to strengthen the team. We don’t have pressure," indicating he is content with the players available if no new striker is signed.