Espanyol head coach Manolo González has publicly criticized Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, accusing him of simulation during their recent La Liga encounter.
The match, held at the RCDE Stadium on Thursday, concluded with a 2-0 victory for Barcelona, securing their 2024/25 La Liga title.
Yamal, who boasts a diverse heritage with a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, was involved in a pivotal moment that led to Espanyol defender Leandro Cabrera receiving a red card.
González expressed his disapproval of the young winger’s actions during the incident.
“I told Lamine Yamal to stop diving and provoking, there is nothing else to say,” González remarked.
“It was not the moment to fall or to faint. It was an avoidable action on Cabrera’s part, but it was a total exaggeration on his part.
“He is very good, but there was no need for this action.”
Despite the controversy, Yamal’s performance throughout the season has been instrumental in Barcelona’s success.
His contributions have not only solidified his position in the team but have also drawn attention to his potential as a Ballon d’Or winner.
