FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick faces a delicate balancing act with 17-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, acknowledging that the phenom must have his playing time carefully managed amid a relentless fixture schedule, according to regional reporting. As Barcelona prepares for a Saturday La Liga fixture at La Cartuja against Real Betis, Flick addressed squad rotation, injury returns, and the heavy physical demands placed on his youngest stars.
Balancing Minutes for Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal has featured in virtually every possible fixture for club and country, creating an urgent need for workload management within the Barcelona coaching staff. Speaking ahead of the weekend match, Flick addressed the winger’s status directly: «Lamine és un jugador especial i sé que hem d’equilibrar els seus minuts, però per a ell el més important és gaudir jugant a futbol i, de moment, és així i no vull interrompre aquesta situació,» the German coach explained.
🗣️ Flick: "Estoy 100% convencido con mi equipo. Todo el mundo tiene mucha calidad y todo el mundo está concentrado, es increíble. Pero también sabemos que tenemos potencial de mejora" pic.twitter.com/7eaS6rBuOx
With upcoming UEFA Champions League fixtures against Paris Saint-Germain and a pivotal El Clásico against Real Madrid looming on the horizon, Flick emphasized that his immediate focus remains strictly on the test in Seville. He noted that Real Betis enters the match in strong form under manager Manuel Pellegrini, having secured a string of home victories and holding competitive positions in both domestic and European competitions.
Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha Near Readiness
Barcelona’s squad depth is receiving a timely boost with the recovery of midfielder Frenkie de Jong following a multi-month layoff. Flick expressed encouragement regarding the Dutch international’s return: “Tothom sap que Frenkie és un jugador top. Estic molt content que hagi tornat i estigui disponible; ens dona una opció nova. Cal veure com evoluciona. Sembla que tot està bé, fins i tot als entrenaments. Crec que està a punt per jugar alguns minuts,” the manager stated.
Flick added that while central defense has not been De Jong’s primary training focus during rehabilitation—outside of small-sided defensive drills—the midfielder’s intensity in training signals full readiness. Meanwhile, winger Raphinha has returned to availability following minor physical issues sustained during international duty with Brazil, though Flick indicated his reintegration will proceed step-by-step.
Gavi Returns to Full Training Intensity
Midfielder Gavi also steps back into contention after missing recent club fixtures and international selection. Flick addressed the player’s mindset following his omission from the national team squad: «No el van convocar per a la selecció i estava una mica trist per això. El vam veure als entrenaments durant aquesta aturada, però va estar molt bé entrenant,» Flick said, praising the midfielder’s high intensity, professional focus, and competitive character during training sessions.
Barcelona travels to face Real Betis at La Cartuja on Saturday with kickoff scheduled for 18:30 local time (CET) broadcast via DAZN.
Keep reading
