New Barcelona coach Hansi Flick on Thursday hailed the performance of the Spanish club’s teenage winger Lamine Yamal at Euro 2024, calling it “unbelievable”.
Yamal made history in his country’s opening game against Croatia by becoming the youngest player ever to appear in a European Championship game at the age of 16 years and 338 days. Days later, he made another history by becoming the youngest player ever to score a goal at the Euros in Spain’s 2-1 semi-final win against France, at the age of 16 years and 362 days.
Flick who will now work with the young winger next season praised Yamal for his achievement during Euro 2024. “He has done a really great job in the last year, he has improved a lot. What he did in the Euro is unbelievable,” Flick told a news conference as he was officially unveiled as Barcelona’s new coach.
“But great players maintain their performance and now it is necessary for him to keep his feet on the ground,” he added.
“I think he is a great guy. I spoke with him before, when I arrived, and he is now in this team and of course, he gives us great moments but he can improve and make things better. He is on a really fantastic path.”
New FC Barcelona Head Coach Hansi Flick, Joan Laporta, President of FC Barcelona, Deco, sporting director of FC Barcelona and Rafa Yuste pose for a photo at Auditori 1899 on July 25, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pablo Rodriguez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Flick replaced Xavi Hernandez as Barcelona manager and the former Germany and Bayern Munich is tasked with turning around the club’s fortunes following their trophy-less run last season.
“What I want to see is that we are playing really good football, attacking football, and that everyone can see that this team really gives a lot for this club. I think this is crucial,” Flick said.
“You can only win with the biggest clubs, which is why I am here. I am not saying that I will win every title like that but if we work hard we can achieve this,” the 59-year-old added.
