Hansi Flick, the Barcelona manager, has reminded Lamine Yamal that talent must be combined with hard work if his potential is to be fulfilled.
Barcelona face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with the 18-year-old Spain international expected to return to the starting lineup following a groin injury.
Having missed the club’s previous four games, Yamal took all of a minute to make an impact when he came on as a second-half substitute against Real Sociedad on Sunday, crossing for Robert Lewandowski to head home the decisive goal in a 2-1 win.
The result moved Flick’s side a point clear at the top of La Liga following Real Madrid’s 5-2 humiliation at city rivals Atlético the previous day, and provided Yamal with a welcome fillip after he was beaten to the Ballon d’Or by PSG forward Ousmane Dembélé.
The German backed the winger in the aftermath of that disappointment, but has made it plain that Yamal’s ability does not absolve him from the defensive duties Flick regards as non-negotiable.
What did Hansi Flick say about Lamine Yamal?
“I don’t like this whole ‘super, super’ thing,” said Flick. “He’s exceptional, but there are other exceptional players on the team. He’s 18 years old and he also has to focus on working.
“To get to the next level, one or two steps higher, you have to work hard. Talent alone isn’t enough.
“It’s not just about playing with the ball, it’s also about defending. That’s what we need from all players, not just him.”
Hansi Flick says Barcelona are not out for revenge over PSG
PSG have won their two most recent visits to Camp Nou, eliminating Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2024, three years after they upended them in the last 16. On both occasions, the score was 4-1, but Flick insists his side will not be out for revenge on Wednesday.
“It’s a different competition and we’re playing against last season’s best team,” he said of facing the European champions. “I love what I saw from them last year. It’s a big challenge and we’re looking forward to this match. I don’t think about the last match, I focus on the next one.”
PSG, who won their league phase opener against Atalanta 4-0, will be without Dembélé and Désiré Doué, both of whom were injured on international duty with France. Also out are Marquinhos, the club captain, and the Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Barcelona are without goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who will be replaced by Wojciech Szczęsny, while Brazilian winger Raphinha has been sidelined by a hamstring injury. Midfielder Gavi is a long-term injury absentee after undergoing knee surgery.
