Barcelona star Lamine Yamal spoke to the press prior to their semi-final collision with Inter and stated that he was not afraid to play on the big stage and see his age as little obstacle. The teenage talent gave two assists on Saturday in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid and has become an important player for Hansi Flick.
However, one of the most important worries for the Blaugrana will be fatigue after the final of Copa del Rey. Lamine Yamal admitted that it played a role against Los Blancos, and it was the emotion of the opportunity that drove them further.
“It is true that the last day was one of the days that we struggled most physically. In the end, between the tension of the game and knowing what was at stake, our legs simply could no longer give. When you play against Madrid, your heart drives you more than your legs, and that is what we have this season, and maybe what we missed in other seasons,” he said the media.
Lamine Yamal has rejected the idea that Intand in the interior of three games could be influenced by a loss of three games, and noted that a final of the Champions League was at stake. Much of the focus was at his age in such a large stage, because he wants to be 100th action against the Nerazzurri.
“I think few players at my age have played as many games as I have for Barca, and I will concentrate on that. I appreciate the mentality to always be motivated, the consistency I have and the level where I am at 17, because not everyone can.”
In every phase of his career, he removed the pressure and made it clear that he was not afraid to be confronted in the semi -final of the Champions League.
“I didn't have that fear, but I have left the motivation for the game. I left that fear a long time ago in the park in Mataro. I would not call it busy. In the end I go outside and I enjoy it. I take it as a good thing, and I feel that I have to enjoy the moment.”
“In football there is no such thing as age. When you are ready, you are ready. It is a sport that depends on the quality and mentality of the person. We are at a very high level with a young team. Age is just a few.”
He was even asked about Lionel Messi who called him one of the best players in the world, but confirmed that he had not spoken with the Argentinian and did not want to be compared to the greatest in history.
“As a football player I want to be remembered as a player and as a person, and I want to be polite, what my parents have taught me at home.”
In the meantime, he also had friendly words for Raphinha, who revealed that he had given Lamine Yamal advice during the course of the season.
“It was a very, very long message … (smiling) It was personal and something he knew alone. He is a very important person, a veteran with a lot of experience. All young players benefit from such a player in the dressing room.”
The teenage talent has also selected Inigo Martinez and Frenkie de Jong as players who may not have received the honor they deserve.
“In addition to players such as Pedri and Raphinha … Inigo and Frenkie de Jong also surprised me. They are great professionals and play at an incredible level.”
For Inter he was a fan of Niccolo Barella and Lautaro Martinez.
“Well, I really love Barella and Lautaro. If they have the ball, they play very well, and they defend very well. They are a team that I like to watch.”
Barcelona organizes an interkant with both teams that are discussed in terms of how tired they are. The Italian giants were eliminated from the Coppa Italia last week in the semi-final phase and are still in a Scudetto race itself. In the meantime, it is unlikely that Hansi Flick will make many changes, despite the fact that seven players play more than 100 minutes on Saturday evening in the final of Copa del Rey.