La Liga legend stands up for Barcelona youngster amid off-field criticism – ‘Everyone does what they want’ | OneFootball

Former Athletic Club manager Javier Clemente, one of the most respected figures in Spanish football and a two-time La Liga winner, has offered his perspective on the ongoing discussions surrounding Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal. 

Speaking in an interview with AS, Clemente touched on the recent tension between Barcelona and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, which erupted after the youngster’s groin issue prevented him from reporting for national-team duty.

Before addressing the dispute directly, Clemente paused to acknowledge the complicated nature of club-versus-country debates. 

He then shared his view, making it clear he believed the situation had been unnecessarily exaggerated.

“I like the Barça coach, I think he’s a decent person, but I heard what Luis said and I think it was blown out of proportion. De la Fuente certainly didn’t mean to offend him.”

Lamine Yamal’s rise

The conversation soon shifted to Yamal himself, whose meteoric rise has made him both a footballing phenomenon and a public figure far earlier than most players his age. 

Some of his off-field behaviour has attracted outside scrutiny, and Clemente was asked what advice he would offer the teenager. 

Maintaining a firm stance on personal responsibility, he kept his answer short and direct.

“I’m not going to give him any advice. Everyone does what they want with their life. The responsibility lies with him, his entourage, his coach, and the club.”

Clemente has defended Lamine Yamal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Clemente also discussed the broader landscape of La Liga and whether the title race would once again come down to Barcelona and Real Madrid. 

“It’s too early to say, although Madrid and Barça are always the two main contenders for the title. 

“Luis Aragones, who was not only a friend of mine but also a phenomenon, used to say – the first half of the season is about being there, calm, without rushing or stressing. 

“The first part of the second half is about positioning yourself, and in the last seven or eight games, once you’re in position, it’s time to start sprinting for the win, like cyclists.”

Thoughts on Hansi Flick

Finally, Clemente addressed the tactical direction of Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, particularly the insistence on maintaining an aggressive high defensive line. 

Rather than criticising the German coach, he stressed the importance of respecting different managerial styles.

“I’m not in a position to advise a coach with Flick’s track record. You have to respect what he does. I respect everyone, especially as a teacher at the Coaching School,” he concluded.