Hansi Flick backs Lamine Yamal to lead Barcelona response

Hansi Flick has thrown his full support behind Lamine Yamal and hinted at subtle tactical tweaks ahead of Barcelona’s decisive Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.

The German coach was asked whether Barça would look to create more one-on-one situations for the teenager after Yamal recently spoke about thriving in such scenarios.

“Well, I’ve made some changes. I think Lamine has performed very well in the recent matches, so I’m very pleased with him, and what I also say to him is that he has to do the things he’s currently considered the best in the world at, which are one-on-one situations,” Flick explained.

He underlined that the youngster’s flair must still be framed by strong team structure. “Of course, we have to help him, and we also have to give him the option to pass, and that’s important,” he said.

Flick was keen to shift the focus back to the collective. “We have to play as one team, as one unit, and that’s important for tomorrow’s match. I’m not focusing on individuals or players individually,” he stressed, noting that both sides have many high-quality players and that the tie will likely be decided by “momentary details” that he hopes will fall Barcelona’s way.