Lamine Yamal talks Fermin, Olmo, Dembele, Real Madrid, Ballon d’Or ahead of Barcelona vs Feyenoord | OneFootball

Lamine Yamal has made Barcelona’s Champions League ambitions clear, insisting there is “no greater motivation” than Europe’s biggest club competition as his side prepares to face Feyenoord.

The 19-year-old forward spoke to the media ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League opener and addressed everything from his ambitions for the competition to his Ballon d’Or hopes, his growing leadership role and the pressure that comes with being one of the most watched players in world football.

Yamal enters the new season with expectations higher than ever. 

His performances for Barcelona and Spain have established him as one of the leading young players in the game, while his status within the Barcelona dressing room has also changed.

He is now one of the club’s captains and that responsibility has not altered his priorities. 

Yamal’s immediate focus is on winning trophies, with the Champions League clearly sitting at the top of his list.

“There’s no greater motivation than the Champions League. We’re all focused on it. It’s the most special competition. Rodri, Gordon… everyone’s really excited about it.”

Embraces Barcelona captaincy and Ballon d’Or pressure

Yamal’s elevation to the Barcelona captaincy is another indication of how quickly his status has grown.

Lamine Yamal is embracing the new leadership role. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Despite being only 19, he is already trusted with a leadership role in one of football’s biggest dressing rooms. 

Rather than viewing the responsibility as a burden, Yamal described it as a source of pride.

“I’m proud to be one of Barça’s captains. I’m grateful to all my teammates, and I’m really happy.”

He also revealed the players he looks towards for guidance.

“I’ve got plenty of role models here: Raphinha, Pedri and Eric. When I first arrived, they gave me a fantastic welcome, and they’re role models for me.”

Yamal was inevitably asked about the Ballon d’Or, with his performances making him one of the players attracting considerable attention in the race.

The Barcelona forward refused to claim that the decision belongs to him.

“I don’t think it’s up to me, but to the journalists. The work I’ve done for my club and the national team has been incredible. 

“If it happens, I’ll be grateful to everyone. Although I do think I stand a chance.”

He was then challenged to use the press conference as an opportunity to campaign for votes. Yamal was having none of it.

“No, I don’t think I need to campaign to win the Ballon d’Or. I don’t have to convince you of anything. 

“I’ve done a very good job this year and I don’t have to beg you to vote for me to win it.”

His confidence was tested again when he was reminded that Ousmane Dembele had not included him among his three Ballon d’Or favourites.

Yamal responded with humour rather than frustration.

“He’s friends with Kylian, isn’t he? (laughs) To be honest, I don’t mind. 

“It’s only natural – I get on really well with Dembele, and it’s only natural that he has to pick other people. I don’t need to prove what a great year I’ve had.”

Yamal rejects idea that stars should avoid pressing

Lamine Yamal is not thinking about Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

One of the most revealing parts of Yamal’s press conference came when he was asked about the defensive work expected from attacking players.

The idea that star forwards should be exempt from pressing has become a recurring discussion in modern football, but Yamal was unequivocal about his position.

“At PSG and Bayern, everyone presses, and they win titles. If you don’t run, any team will beat you. If we want to win, we have to run; if you don’t run, you’ll lose.”

The winger also outlined his personal and collective objectives for the season.

“As a team, to keep winning titles, especially the Champions League. Personally, to improve every day. 

“I’m very young, but by listening I’ll be able to improve – that’s my aim.”

Yamal addresses mood concerns and Real Madrid

The Barcelona forward also addressed speculation about his body language and whether he had appeared unhappy at certain points during the opening weeks of the campaign.

Asked about his expression after the Elche match, Yamal pointed to the extreme conditions rather than any personal frustration.

“Which day? (The Elche match.) The other day it was because of the heat; I was tired. The only real story is that it was 40 degrees.”

He went further when asked whether he had started the season feeling down.

“I’m really happy – I don’t know why there was so much talk about it. 

“I’m 19, I’ve just won a world championship and I’ve had the holiday of my life. I’ve never been happier in my whole life than I am right now.”

Furthermore, the teenager was also asked about Real Madrid’s recent struggles and whether he expects a difficult campaign for Barcelona’s biggest rivals.

“If they haven’t won in two years, that’s their problem. We’re happy with the refereeing. I don’t know, they look happy to me.”

Praising Olmo and Fermin

Yamal has nothing but praise for Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

There was also time to discuss his relationship with Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo, two players who can occupy influential positions around him.

“They’re both absolutely brilliant players. Fermín tends to play the ball into space and run onto it. Olmo tends to hold onto the ball. 

“I get on brilliantly with both of them, both on and off the pitch, and I feel very comfortable playing alongside them both.”

Asked whether he could ever accept being left on the bench, he showed an unusually relaxed attitude for a player who has become almost indispensable to Barcelona.

“I don’t mind being a substitute. There are lots of very good players. I’m ready if it’s my turn to be one one day,” he concluded.

Source: AS