Lamine Yamal getting back to ‘top level’, Barcelona coach Flick says

What the report says

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick says teenager Lamine Yamal is moving back toward his top level as the club prepares for Monday’s La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano. In comments reported by Al Jazeera, Flick said the 19-year-old had a difficult start to the season in Barcelona’s opening league game at Elche, then looked sharper in the next match against Athletic Bilbao.

Flick pointed to Yamal’s recent workload and recovery as part of the context. He said the winger is still working back toward his best form after a hamstring injury in April, followed by a busy international summer with Spain. According to Flick, Yamal was more effective against Athletic than in the Elche match, and the coach emphasized that playing 90 minutes could help him regain rhythm.

The coach also stressed that the player is being supported by the team and staff, even if his mood and training form vary from day to day. More broadly, Flick said he is satisfied with Barcelona’s squad and reiterated that the club is not under pressure to make an immediate signing, despite earlier unsuccessful efforts to add a striker. Barcelona have won both of their opening league games, with Raphinha used in a central role up front.