Barcelona to return to Spotify Camp Nou on August 10 after two season

Barcelona will return to Spotify Camp Nou on Aug. 10 for the Joan Gamper Trophy, the club has confirmed.

The Catalonia club have spent the last two seasons playing at the Olympic Stadium in the city as extensive renovation work is carried out on their long-term home.

However, Barça are still expected to begin next season’s LaLiga with three away games. After that, the club’s plan is to hold games with a capped capacity of around 50,000 to 60,000 while work continues on the renovation in between fixtures.

Barcelona will be eager to build on their impressive 2024/25 season at Camp Nou, an historical stadium for the club and its fans.

Moving on, Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente has thrown his support behind Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, firmly defending the teenager against recent criticism.

Lamine Yamal has faced criticism over some of his behaviours. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

In a detailed interview with COPE, De la Fuente addressed several key talking points surrounding the Spanish squad, including Yamal’s development, squad competition, and the selection of players.

De la Fuente expressed his frustration at the criticism Lamine Yamal has received over his supposed lack of goals. “I heard that Lamine lacks a goal… oh my. I said, I live in a world of Martians,” he said with disbelief.

While he acknowledged that Yamal will face greater pressure this season, he emphasised the need for patience and guidance.

“Of course, we have to do protection work with him. He is a very special footballer with extraordinary potential, but everything takes time. He knows what he has, and we must not only flatter him.”

The Spain coach also touched on Yamal’s behaviour, such as wearing a cap to press events, noting it is all part of the learning curve.

“He’s in a training process. It’s our duty to guide, teach, and support him. Right now, the wind is in his favour, but life will eventually test him too. He must be prepared.”

De la Fuente stressed that this year will be more challenging for the young winger: “He has to perform more. Rivals will know him better and make things harder for him. The expectations are higher now.”

Yamal played an important role in Barcelona’s success last season and he’ll be eager to overcome critics by piling up goals and assists for club and country.