Barcelona star Lamine Yamal would be motivated by criticism ahead of the Clasico, Barcelona assistant coach Marcus Sorg said yesterday.
Teenage winger Yamal has been in the spotlight in the Spanish capital after joking that Real Madrid “steal” and “complain” during an appearance on a social media stream.
Champions Barca face Real Madrid today in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu, looking for a fifth consecutive win over their rivals.
Photo: EPA
“Lamine is a top player and I think [the criticism] will be motivating for him,” Sorg told a news conference. “I hope we all see him tomorrow [give] the best performance.”
The 18-year-old Spain international would be up against Madrid left-back Alvaro Carreras, whom he struggled against at times last season as Barcelona faced Benfica on three occasions in the UEFA Champions League.
“Lamine is always motivated, and if I remember right, we won all three games against Benfica,” Sorg said.
Flick is suspended for the game after a red card last weekend during their win over Girona, with Sorg taking over duties on the touchline.
“Honestly, Hansi is always missed if he is not there because he’s the most important part of the team,” Sorg said.
“It’s a disadvantage, of course, [but] it’s the same as [missing] players, we have to deal with it. Everyone knows what he expects, and I think we will do it.”
Barcelona would be without winger Raphinha, who has experienced a setback in his return from a hamstring injury.
“Raphinha — every team would miss him, but it is how it is, we have enough players and have to deal with it,” the assistant coach said.
Jules Kounde trained yesterday after a knock and might be fit enough to feature against Madrid, along with Ferran Torres, Sorg said.
Barcelona have several other players ruled out through injury, including Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo and Gavi.
Heading into today’s fixture, Real Madrid sit top of the table with 24 points, two ahead of second-placed Barcelona on 22.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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