Barcelona star Lamine Yamal will be motivated by criticism ahead of the Clasico, according to the club’s assistant coach, who spoke on Saturday.
Teenage winger Yamal has been in the spotlight in the Spanish capital after joking that Real Madrid “steals” and then “complains” during an appearance on a social media stream.
Spanish champions Barcelona meet Real Madrid on Sunday in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu, hoping for a fifth consecutive win over their rivals.
“Lamine is a top player, and I think (the criticism) will be motivating for him,” Marcus Sorg, coach Hansi Flick’s assistant, told a news conference.
“I hope we all see him tomorrow (give) the best performance.”
The 18-year-old Spain international will face Madrid left-back Alvaro Carreras, who he struggled with last season when Barcelona met Benfica three times in the Champions League.
“Lamine is always motivated, and if I remember right, we won all three games against Benfica,” noted Sorg.
Flick is suspended for the game after receiving a red card in the win against Girona last weekend, so Sorg will take over on the touchline.
“Honestly, Hansi is always missing if he is not there because he’s the most important part of the team,” said Sorg.
“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 will face Madrid without winger Raphinha, who has suffered 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,” said Sorg.
According to the assistant coach, Jules Kounde exercised on Saturday following a knock and may be fit to face Madrid, along with Ferran Torres.
Barcelona has numerous other players out with injuries, including Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, and Gavi.
