Barcelona coach Hansi Flick believes Lamine Yamal will use his Ballon d’Or disappointment as fuel to reach even greater heights.
The 18-year-old winger finished runner-up to Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé at Monday’s ceremony in Paris but claimed the Kopa Trophy for best young player.
“I spoke with him yesterday, and I think he sees it the right way. For him it’s motivation for the coming years,” Flick told reporters Wednesday. “Dembélé deserved it, of course, but Yamal accepted the result well and is determined to prove himself this season. Maybe next year he will also be a candidate for the Ballon d’Or.”
Yamal was instrumental as Barcelona swept La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup last season. However, he is set to miss Thursday’s clash at Real Oviedo with a groin problem, as the champions chase Real Madrid, who moved five points clear after beating Levante on Tuesday.
Despite Yamal’s absence, Flick downplayed concerns. “I never think about who is missing, only about the team we have. Every starting XI can win matches. It’s not a big problem,” he said.
Barcelona will also be without midfielder Gavi for the next four to five months following knee surgery. The 21-year-old had only just returned from a long-term ligament injury sustained in November 2023.
“We must take care of him step by step,” Flick added. “He has a huge career ahead of him—10 to 15 years at the top. He has a big heart, plays with emotion, and gives everything for this club. We’ll support him fully so he can return to his best level.”
