UCL: Olympiacos coach José Luis Mendilibar compares Lamine Yamal to Messi ahead of Barcelona clash

Olympiacos head coach José Luis Mendilibar has described Lamine Yamal as the heartbeat of Barcelona ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash, claiming the young forward’s influence is already comparable to that of club legend Lionel Messi.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s showdown, Mendilibar stressed the importance of the 18-year-old, saying, “If Lamine is not good, Barça is not good.”

Though he acknowledged that Messi’s achievements are “almost impossible to repeat,” the coach believes Yamal already has the ability to change games, noting that despite being a teenager with only two years at the top level, he is now the player who makes the difference for Barcelona.

Mendilibar also highlighted the depth of the Barcelona squad, urging caution and respect.

“We will try to defend him well, but Barça has many other great players. The other day, Araujo came on and scored the goal,” the coach said.

Facing an injury-hit Barcelona, he insists that Olympiacos must be flawless to stand a chance of victory.

“You have to be perfect to win,” he emphasised, as he prepares his team to face a Catalan side still brimming with attacking threat despite their fitness challenges.

The Uefa Champions League encounter between Olympiacos and Barcelona is scheduled to kick off at 4:45 pm.