BARCELONA.- Barcelona’s new manager Hansi Flick praised Lamine Yamal’s performance at Euro 2024 on Thursday, calling it “incredible.”
Yamal made history in the opening match of Spain against Croatia, being the youngest player to make his debut in a European Championship at 16 years and 338 days.
He also broke another record by becoming the youngest player in history to score a goal in a European Championship. He did so in the semi-finals, which Spain beat France 2-1 at the age of 16 years and 362 days.
Spain defeated England 2-1 in the final to win their fourth European Championship on July 14, just a day after Yamal turned 17.
“He did a great job last year, he has improved a lot. What he did at the Euros is incredible,” said Flick at a press conference when he was officially presented as Barcelona coach.
“Although great players maintain their performance, now it is necessary for him to keep his feet on the ground. I think he is a great kid. I spoke to him when I arrived, he is one of us and I know he will give us great moments, although he must improve in some things. He is on a very good path,” he added.
New era
Barça have appointed the former Germany national team coach and Bayern Munich manager as their new coach on a two-year contract with the aim of breaking the team’s poor run of success which, under Xavi Hernández, failed to win a title last year.
“What I want to see is that we play good football, attacking football, and that everyone can recognise that the team gives everything for the club. I think that is crucial,” said Flick.
“You can only win with the big clubs, that’s why I’m here. I’m not saying I’ll win every title, but if we work hard we can do it,” added the 59-year-old German coach.
Flick, who led Bayern to a historic six-peat in 2020, became the first coach to be sacked from the German national team in September 2023 following a run of poor results.
Source: AFP