Barcelona has made great strides toward qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Champions League after the team’s epic victory over Benfica in Lisbon.
Barcelona is preparing for a decisive match tonight in La Liga against Osasuna in the 27th round of the competition, and the Catalan team aspires to widen the gap at the top with its closest pursuers before the second leg against Benfica in the Champions League.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional,” Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has made it clear since his arrival at the club that he does not prefer to be lenient with any player, which is considered one of the most important keys to his success.
In the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Benfica, Flick sent a decisive message to Lamine Yamal, one of the team’s most prominent stars. Although the 17-year-old winger is considered one of the most promising talents in world football, the German coach did not hesitate to substitute him in the second half, even though Barcelona was playing with ten players and Benfica’s danger came from the side where Yamal was playing. Instead, Flick chose Ferran Torres, sending a clear message to Lamine: in this team, everyone must defend.
The match in Lisbon was a real challenge for Barça, especially after Pau Coparsi was sent off in the 22nd minute. With the team down to ten men, Barça had to regroup and focus on defensive strength. But Lamine Yamal, who started the match, had difficulty dealing with Benfica’s attacks on the left flank. Despite his attacking prowess, the young winger seemed unable to fulfill his defensive obligations, something Flick quickly noticed.
In the second half, Flick decided to replace Yamal with Ferran Torres, who has greater defensive capabilities and experience in high-intensity matches. The change was not only to strengthen the defensive side but also to send a clear message to Lamine: in Flick’s Barça, everyone must fulfill the team’s full potential, both in attack and defense.
Hansi Flick did not hesitate to make this decision, proving once again that no player in his team is above reproach. The German coach knows full well that Lamine Yamal has exceptional talent, but he is also aware that to succeed in football at the highest level, young players must be prepared to meet all the demands of the game. Flick does not want to allow any player, no matter how talented, to neglect their defensive responsibilities, especially in difficult matches like the one the team played against Benfica. Flick’s message to Lamine was clear and direct: in this team, everyone must defend. The young winger, who is used to shining in attack, will have to adapt to the demands of the German coach if he wants to continue as a key part of the Barcelona project. Although the decision to replace him may have been difficult, Flick knows that this is the best way to help Lamine grow as a footballer.