Lamine Yamal has “reacted very well” following the disappointment of the Ballon d’Or being awarded to Harry Kane, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said on Friday. Despite winning La Liga with the Catalan club and lifting the World Cup with Spain, the 19-year-old winger came third in the vote for the best player in the world on Monday, behind Kane and Kylian Mbappe. He’s at the level required to win this award,” Flick said ahead of the La Liga leaders’ home match against Alaves.
He reacted very well and was very focused in training. His mentality is very good for the team.” Yamal will have a chance to put any lingering disappointment behind him on Saturday when Barcelona look to correct course at home to Alaves following two high-profile defeats. After winning their first 11 matches in all competitions, Barcelona were flying but then came undone when they travelled to PSG in the Champions League last Tuesday.
That 4-2 reverse in the French capital was swiftly followed by a Mbappe-inspired 2-1 loss at home to Real Madrid in La Liga last weekend. I’ve seen a good training session and a positive mood. We have to show that tomorrow.
While the German coach admitted he does not like losing, he insisted that the campaign is “a long road”. We could have won, but we have to accept defeat and learn from it.”
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