Youngster has room to develop and we will help him, says assistant coach
Barcelona assistant coach Marcus Sorg has defended Lamine Yamal after the teenager had a difficult game in Sunday’s clásico and was targeted by boos and jeers by the Santiago Bernabeu crowd.
The defending champions were beaten 2-1 by their rivals, with Fermin Lopez’s goal from Marcus Rashford’s assist not enough of a response to strikes from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
Yamal produced three goals and two assists last season as Barcelona won four out of four games played against Madrid, but he struggled to affect Sunday’s game in any meaningful manner.
“He came from an injury and he needs rhythm and more games at the highest level,” said Sorg, who took Hansi Flick’s place in the dugout following the manager’s suspension. “It’s normal, he’s 18. We have to give him time, we have to help him, we do it all together.”
Much of Madrid’s game plan was focused on neutralising Yamal on Barcelona’s right, and there was not enough of a threat from the left to divert their attention from the youngster, with first choice Raphinha unable to feature through injury.
“The opponents tried everything to defend very well,” said Sorg. “They adapted this season, so we work with him to help him bring his best version on the pitch again.
“We talked about in the half time; we have to bring him more in 1-v-1 situations. But the defenders did a good job and we have to accept it.
“They played 2-v-1 against him. They wanted to avoid him coming in the box for the finishing and everything. It’s normal. He’s young and he has to improve and we will help him.”
