Flick Defends Yamal's Passion After Atletico Win

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick voiced strong support for teenage winger Lamine Yamal on Monday, defending the 18-year-old's emotional display after a hard-fought 2-1 La Liga victory over Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday. Yamal, who started and played 80 minutes in the match decided by Robert Lewandowski's late winner, appeared frustrated as he left the pitch, shrugging off Flick's embrace and exchanging words with goalkeeping coach Jose Ramon de la Fuente before heading down the tunnel.

Speaking ahead of Barcelona's Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Atletico at Camp Nou on Tuesday, Flick dismissed concerns about the incident, attributing it to Yamal's youth and passion. "What we have to understand is that Lamine is 18 years old and for me he is an incredible player," Flick said. "Sometimes you can see when you watch the game again that what he is doing is incredible. In the one-on-one in everything, he is fantastic, but he is only 18 years old and of course sometimes he is angry when I change him or when there is a situation." He added that such emotions are normal and beneficial, emphasizing the team's commitment to nurturing Yamal's talent....