Yamal was instrumental in helping Barcelona win their 28th La Liga title and reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2019
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has called on teenage star Lamine Yamal to remain grounded and committed to hard work, warning that talent alone will not be enough to sustain a career at the top level.
Speaking in an interview with Barca One, Flick said that the 17-year-old’s rise to stardom has been extraordinary, but stressed that he still needs a lot of focus and discipline, with trying times still ahead.
“Lamine is a genius, there’s no other way to describe him, and he’s only 17 years old,” said Flick. “I think we have to help him. I hope he wants that too, that we can take care of him, because he’s young and right now it seems like everything is easy. And it might seem easy, but it’s not.”
Flick’s comments come at the end of a magnificent campaign for Yamal, who was instrumental in helping Barcelona win their 28th La Liga title and reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2019. The teenager has made over 100 appearances for the club before turning 18.
But Flick wants him to know that natural ability will only carry him so far.
“If you want to play at the highest level for the next 15 years, you have to train very well and also be mentally at the highest level, that’s what matters,” said the German.
“Lamine is smart, he’s intelligent, and it’s not just about enjoying everything. You also have to work and work, because players with this kind of talent have to do that too.”
