Girona coach lays out plan to stop Barcelona sensation ahead of clash: ‘Have to give him a bit of a hard time’ | OneFootball

While all eyes will be on Barcelona’s midweek clash against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey, the Blaugrana have another game coming up on the weekend as they take on local rivals Girona.

After a dreamy 2024/25 campaign, Girona are no longer the same threat they were and could face a tough time containing a Barcelona team that boasts the services of Lamine Yamal, among others.

Stopping Yamal could be a particular challenge for Girona, having shown impressive form since the turn of the year.

To that end, Girona’s coach, Michel, was asked about the challenge of stopping the Barcelona forward this weekend.

Michel on Lamine Yamal

During an interaction on El Larguero (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Michel heaped praise on Yamal, admitting that he was quick to realise the Barcelona forward is here to make a big impact.

“I think all coaches look for ways to stop Barça’s attack. Their right flank is one of their weapons, because of Lamine Yamal,” he said.

“I already said back then, when I saw the impact he had in LaLiga as soon as he arrived, that we were talking about possibly one of the players who is going to define an era worldwide,” he added.

Michel is keen on stopping Yamal this weekend. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Yamal has racked up 15 goals and 13 assists in all competitions this season, making him one of the most productive players in Spain.

Michel is well aware of that quality and wants Girona to do everything they can to ‘ostracise’ the Spanish international.

“He’s very difficult to stop because now, in addition to his individual skill, he also has the passing ability. Most dribblers struggle to look far ahead and deliver that cross or that forward pass.

“But with Lamine, if you give him an inch so he can’t face you, he’ll get the pass out. He’ll get the pass with the outside of his foot and he’ll get the cross in. And then, if you stay too close to him, he’ll dribble past you. So, we’re talking about a game-changing player,” he added.

Having already emerged as one of the best dribblers in Europe this season, Yamal could indeed cause problems for the Girona defence using his quick feet out wide.

Girona coach Michel, therefore, is well aware of the task at hand.

“I don’t want to give you any clues, but obviously, the way you apply pressure is very important. You have to give Lamine Yamal a bit of a hard time,” he concluded.