Flick backs Yamal to hit top form

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has indicated that teenage star Lamine Yamal is finding his way back to his "top level" before Monday's La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano. The 19-year-old struggled in Barcelona's first match of the season at Elche but improved against Athletic Bilbao in the second, Flick said, although he did not find the net.

"I know everyone is worried about how is Lamine, how is he doing. And of course, look at his situation – he played a World Cup after a huge injury," Flick told reporters on Sunday.

Yamal has not hit his best form since suffering a hamstring injury in April. The winger returned at the World Cup but, despite Spain's success, had limited individual impact at the tournament.

"Now he's coming back after three weeks holiday, and also the first game maybe was not his best game," Flick said. "But I said this, I was very happy that he starts the game and he worked for the team."

Yamal disappointed in the first half against Athletic on Thursday but stepped up a gear after the break. "He played 90 minutes against Bilbao. And for him at the moment, it's also good to [have] 90 minutes on the pitch," Flick continued. "We saw him in some situations really on this top level. And now, you couldn't see this in the training today, but I saw it, and it was excellent."

Flick added: "Everyone loves Lamine, and he's in a good way. And we have to support him, and we do that."

Yamal seemed in a bad mood after the game against Elche but happier in training before the Rayo match. "Of course, it's always good when the players are smiling, but it's not every day the same way," Flick said.

Squad harmony amid transfer saga

Barcelona won both of their opening fixtures with Raphinha playing as a makeshift number nine after the champions were unable to land top target Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. Flick said: "Of course, I'm happy with my team. [Sporting director] Deco is working on that to strengthen the team. We don't have pressure."

According to a report by Sports Illustrated, Barcelona spent all summer trying to sign Álvarez following Robert Lewandowski's departure. Although the Argentine striker was eager to join, Atlético Madrid categorically refused to enter negotiations with Barça. The saga extended deep into the final days of the summer transfer window, but Atléti never altered their position, even if their own fans turned on the player.

The Catalans eventually switched targets and signed out-of-favor Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus to fill their need at center forward. Barcelona sporting director Deco confirmed that the club's incoming transfer business of the summer window ended with Jesus's acquisition, which was made official on deadline day.

Yamal: 'Very happy with the squad'

Yamal made a public appearance on the same day, right after scoring two goals in Barcelona's 5–2 win over Rayo Vallecano. On the red carpet of the Spanish Players Association (AFE) awards gala, Yamal shared his thoughts on Barcelona's failed pursuit of Álvarez.

"Well, I think that right now we are in very good shape, and it shows," Yamal stated. "We aren't lacking goals. Obviously, he's a great player, but I'm very happy with the squad that we have."

Through three La Liga games this season, Yamal's assessment holds: Barcelona have scored 12 goals without a natural center forward. Raphinha has operated as Barça's striker and leads the league with five goals.

Yamal was named the best player in Spanish soccer for the second year in a row at AFE's ceremony. When asked about his objectives for the 2026–27 season, he replied: "Winning the Champions League." Barcelona's last Champions League triumph came in 2015–15, an 11-year drought.

(Portions of this article were sourced from Al Jazeera and Sports )