Barcelona Coach Sees Yamal Returning to Form Ahead of Rayo Match

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said teenage star Lamine Yamal is getting back to his "top level" ahead of Monday’s La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano.

The 19-year-old had a rough start in Barca’s first match of the season at Elche. He showed improvement in the second match against Athletic Bilbao but did not score.

Flick mentioned that the Spanish World Cup winner is regaining his best form. Yamal has not been at his peak since suffering a hamstring injury in April.

He returned during the World Cup but had little individual impact, even with Spain winning the tournament.

“I know everyone is worried about how is Lamine, how is he doing. And of course, look at his situation, he played a World Cup after a huge injury,” Flick told reporters on Sunday.

“Now he’s coming back after three weeks holiday… and also the first game maybe was not his best game.

“But I said this, I was very happy that he starts the game and he worked for the team.”

Yamal did not meet expectations in the first half against Athletic on Thursday. But he picked up his game in the second half.

“He played 90 minutes against Bilbao. And for him at the moment, it’s also good to (have) 90 minutes on the pitch,” Flick continued.

“We saw him in some situations really on this top level. And now, you couldn’t see this in the training (session) today, but I saw it and it was excellent.

“Everyone loves Lamine and he’s in a good way. And we have to support him and we do that.”

After the game against Elche, Yamal looked unhappy. But he seemed more cheerful during training before the Rayo match.

“Of course, it’s always good when the players are smiling, but it’s not every day the same day,” Flick added.

“I’m also not smiling every day, it’s like that.”

Barcelona won both of their opening matches. Raphinha played as a makeshift number nine. The champions could not sign their top target Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.

“Of course I’m happy with my team, (sporting director) Deco is working on that to strengthen the team. We don’t have pressure,” said Flick. He emphasized he is satisfied with the players he has if Barca does not sign a new striker.