Barcelona interim president hails young superstar ahead of Atletico clash – ‘He’s a great player, exceptional’ | OneFootball

In a couple of hours, FC Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

With Raphinha unavailable for the game, a lot of Barça’s hopes going forward will be riding on teenage superstar Lamine Yamal.

Rafa Yuste praises Lamine

Speaking to the media after the traditional pre-match lunch between the executives of both clubs, Barcelona president Rafa Yuste hailed Lamine, backing him to deliver in the crucial encounter tonight.

“Well, I don’t think Lamine needs to wear a superhero cape because he’s actually already a great player, exceptional,” said Yuste.

“He’s a player who enjoys this type of match because he understands its importance on a global level, where millions of people will be watching this game today I’m very calm because I know Lamine will deliver a great match.”

On whether there is an obsession within the team to win the Champions League trophy this season, the interim president replied:

“More than an obsession, there is a very strong desire, that’s true, just like us, like all Barcelona fans and the members, both men and women.”

Yuste backing Lamine and Barcelona to do well vs Atletico. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Regarding the relationship with Atletico Madrid and whether there was an increase in the tension between the two clubs of late, Yuste remarked:

“No, I think what we need to do, in this case, me and Enrique Cerezo, with whom I have a very good relationship, is to tone down any statements, because there’s always tension on the pitch.

“It’s natural for coaches, players, and executives to say things that sometimes come straight from the heart. Beyond that, there’s a fantastic relationship with Atletico, and so what I hope for today is that we see a fantastic football display.”

Talking about the match itself, he stated: “The first leg in the Champions League, with the best eight teams in Europe, and as I said about the league match, they are a very strong team.

“I still have in my mind the great match we put on in the return leg of the cup, and that’s what I’m focusing on – I mean, if we have the luck, the desire, the enthusiasm, which we certainly do have, and if the fans give us their support.

“I’m positive about the match, but it’s two matches. So it’s a long knockout tie.

Concluding, Yuste gave his opinion on whether Barcelona should look to kill off the tie in the first leg itself, saying:

“Absolutely, the better the result, the better it will be for the return leg. But it won’t be easy, it won’t be easy.”

Source: Jijantes