Flick challenges Barça: Can they win without Yamal?

Hansi Flick Challenges Barça: Can They Win Without Lamine Yamal?

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has thrown down the gauntlet to his squad, asking a question that’s on the minds of many fans: Can Barça win without their teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal? The 17-year-old forward has been ruled out of Saturday’s LaLiga clash against Celta Vigo due to a sprained ankle, and his availability for Tuesday’s Champions League showdown with Brest at the Olympic Stadium is also in doubt.

Yamal’s absence is a significant blow for the Catalan giants, who have struggled in the two league matches he hasn’t started this season. Losses to Osasuna in September and Real Sociedad just two weeks ago have raised concerns about the team’s reliance on the young star. Flick, however, isn’t shying away from addressing the issue head-on.

“I will ask the team this [on Saturday],” Flick said during a press conference when questioned about the team’s ability to perform without Yamal. “I think it’s a good question for them.”

Yamal’s Meteoric Rise

It’s no wonder Yamal’s absence is causing such a stir. The teenager has been a revelation this season, scoring six goals and providing eight assists across all competitions. His performances on the right wing have been instrumental in Barcelona’s rise to the top of the LaLiga table.

However, Flick was quick to point out that the team’s recent loss to Real Sociedad wasn’t solely due to Yamal’s absence. “Against Real Sociedad we didn’t play very good, so that was the reason, [it was] not about Lamine not playing,” the German coach explained. “Lamine is for us very important, but we also have to adapt to this.”

Flick highlighted the depth in his squad, naming several players who could step up in Yamal’s absence. “We have players who can play for him [on the right],” he said. “It could be Raphinha, it could be Dani [Olmo], it could be Fermín [López], it could also be Pablo [Torre] or Pau [Víctor].”

Lewandowski’s High Praise

Even with other attacking options available, it’s clear that Yamal is a special talent. His teammate, Robert Lewandowski, has been effusive in his praise for the youngster. The Polish striker recently shared his first impressions of Yamal during an interview with Rio Ferdinand.

“The first time when I saw him in a training session he was 15,” Lewandowski said. “For the first time in my life, I saw someone, because I saw a lot of young, talented players, but it was the first time in my life that I have inside this ‘Wow, who is this?’”

Lewandowski went on to compare Yamal to other young stars he’s encountered, including Jamal Musiala, but emphasized that Yamal’s talent is on another level. “Even at 16, come on, it’s impossible to be this good and this clever at this age,” he added.

The veteran striker also offered some advice for Yamal, urging him to focus on maintaining his level of performance over the long term. “It’s not about the next two years, it’s the next 10 years he should be thinking what to do to be on the top aged 28, 30 … that for me is the biggest challenge of his career.”

Injury Woes Continue

Barcelona’s injury list doesn’t end with Yamal. Key players like Marc-André ter Stegen, Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, and Ansu Fati are also unavailable. However, there’s some good news: Araújo is set to return to training on Sunday, and Lewandowski has recovered from a back injury in time for the Celta match.

What’s at Stake?

Barcelona heads into Saturday’s game as LaLiga leaders, six points clear of Real Madrid, who have a game in hand. With 13 matches played, the pressure is on for Barça to maintain their lead and prove they can thrive even without their teenage prodigy.

As the team prepares to face Celta Vigo at Balaídos, all eyes will be on how they adapt without Yamal. Can Flick’s squad rise to the challenge, or will their dependence on the 17-year-old be their undoing? One thing’s for sure: Saturday’s match will be a litmus test for Barcelona’s depth and resilience.