Barcelona icon shows support for Lamine Yamal after recent backlash: ‘Let him enjoy himself’

Barcelona icon shows support for Lamine Yamal after recent backlash: ‘Let him enjoy himself’

With Barcelona facing a defining night against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg, the spotlight has naturally fallen on the players expected to deliver under pressure.

Among them is teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, and former Barça star Ivan Rakitic has stepped forward to defend and support the youngster.

In the build-up to the clash, Yamal has found himself at the centre of debate following his recent comments and on-field behaviour.

However, Rakitic was quick to downplay the noise, instead highlighting the importance of mentality in such high-stakes encounters.

“We know which matches are special, and you prepare every little detail with a bit more care.”

At the same time, the Croatian emphasised that joy must not be lost in the process.

“Never forget to enjoy yourself and be happy, because there’s a lot of pressure, but there are millions of people who would love to be in your shoes.”

Drawing inspiration from past European nights

Barcelona head into this game needing something extraordinary, and Rakitic pointed to historic comebacks, such as against PSG, as a source of belief.

Rakitic has defended Lamine Yaml. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Recalling iconic moments, he said,

“In the comeback against PSG, the emotion we all witnessed—not just Barça fans—is indescribable, even unique.

“Hopefully, there will be more nights like that for Barça, the kind that stay with you for a lifetime.”

That sense of belief, according to him, must define the team’s mindset.

“Barça have already shown they’re capable of scoring more than two goals. But even if they play a perfect game, there’s very little room for error.

“And this is the moment for the great players. Barça have many key players, and this is their moment.”

Strong defence of Lamine Yamal

Naturally, the conversation turned to Yamal, and Rakitic did not hold back in his support.

He stressed the importance of allowing the youngster to express himself freely while also embracing responsibility.

“With Lamine, what we need to do is let him enjoy himself, dance, do his thing, but I’d also like to see him take responsibility.

“Normally, you don’t have to tell young players so much, but Lamine has reached a point where he demands a lot from himself and wants more, even though he’s very young.

“And these are the matches where he can grow a great deal, and Barça needs him more than ever.”

Rakitic also praised the forward’s natural flair and confidence, stating,

“Ever since he made his debut, he’s had that ‘flow’; I think that’s the word for it. I’m not that modern, I’m more old-school, but that’s football these days.

“These things are part of the game, but what matters is what happens on the pitch afterwards, and he’s delivering there – we can’t ask for much more.”

He also highlighted the absence of a key supporting figure, which could affect his performance. “I think Lamine misses Raphinha.”

Managing talent and personality

The former midfielder acknowledged that handling a player like Yamal is not straightforward, especially given his age and personality.

Rakitic has also praised Hansi Flick. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

“I think ‘difficult’ doesn’t quite cover it, but I do think he’d benefit from a captain like Puyol, Rakitic or Xavi.

“It’s not easy, though, because afterwards, when things go wrong, we blame it on his youth – and that applies to both the good and the bad.”

Trust in Flick and key absences

Rakitic expressed confidence in Hansi Flick and his staff to guide the youngster properly.

“Hansi and his staff surely have him well under control, but lads with that kind of talent need that joy and that peace of mind.

“It’s not a question of excusing (his behaviour) because of his youth. He needs to express himself like that, and the important thing is that he continues to give his all on the pitch.”

Turning back to the match itself, Rakitic admitted Atletico hold the advantage but warned against complacency.

“With the result from the first leg, have everything in their favour, although Cholo and the fans won’t be at ease for a moment.”

Lastly, he also reflected on the first leg dynamics, explaining,

“I would have expected Atletico to push a bit harder in the closing stages of the first leg, though without taking any major risks, to score a third; and Barça, down to ten men, had more chances.”

Source: SPORT