Does Yamal suffer from chronic headaches? Barcelona clarifies the truth
Catalan confidence in Rocafonda's talent
Lamine Yamal is enduring a start to the season picked apart in the finest detail, but inside Barcelona the picture is entirely different. No worry, no criticism, just absolute confidence that the Rocafonda talent's explosion is only a matter of time.
Spanish newspaper "Marca" revealed that the technical staff, the club's management and the dressing room attach no importance to the young winger's failure to score so far this season. Nor do they read his frustration at being substituted against Elche as any dip in morale, a reaction he has shown in previous seasons too.
Coach Hansi Flick was the first to admit Lamine has not yet hit his peak, but he defended him robustly after the opening match of the season: "He was suffering from some headaches, but he is a genius."
"He had a three-week holiday, and now he has only played a few days, and he was not at his best in Elche," Flick continued. "We must try to get him back to full physical fitness as soon as possible."
He added: "I am pleased that he played 60 minutes and contributed to the first two goals at the Martínez Valero stadium. He gave us options for the substitutions. He contributed greatly to the match, and he works hard, he is improving, we need him, he is an incredible player."
Unai and the post deny the genius
That confidence rests on what Lamine produced against Athletic Bilbao. Time and again he shook off the pressure of the Basque defenders, beating them on the inside and outside, testing them repeatedly and coming within a whisker of scoring.
In the first half, he forced international goalkeeper Unai Simón, named man of the match, into two brilliant saves. The post then denied him his first goal of the season after the break.
Barcelona hold a firm belief that Lamine Yamal will shine brightly this 2026-2027 season. Indeed, he is already shining with his performances and his movement. No worry lingers at the club, only complete confidence and total peace of mind in the jewel of La Masia.
