Laporta offers full support to Barcelona wonderkid – ‘He’s a genius and we have to protect him’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta made a strong public defence of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal just hours before the team’s fourth UEFA Champions League match against Club Brugge in Belgium.

The 18-year-old wonderkid has come under intense pressure following his comments directed at Real Madrid leading up to the Clasico in September, while his lifestyle away from the pitch has also sparked some concerns.

At the same time, Lamine is also dealing with pubic discomfort, stopping him from performing at his very best in recent games for Barcelona.

Laporta stands by Lamine

Amidst all this, Barcelona president Laporta expressed his full support for the 18-year-old sensation.

The president spoke to the media in the City Hall of Bruges ahead of tonight’s game against Club Brugge, where he said:

“Lamine is a genius. I am totally behind him, by his side, supporting him. He is a fantastic lad and a brilliant player. We at Barça are very fortunate to have produced this type of player throughout our history.”

The president also highlighted the importance of patience and care in managing Yamal’s situation, especially as the winger continues to deal with pubalgia.

“We have to protect him, he’s an 18-year-old lad and it’s not easy to take in everything that’s happening to him,” said Laporta.

Not at 100% fitness. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“He’s taking it in his stride, he’s a good kid, and we have to be understanding with him. Groin injuries don’t heal overnight. He works hard, like all injured players.”

On the team

Laporta also took the chance to praise the dedication of the squad’s injured players, mentioning Gavi in particular, as he said:

“You see him [Gavi] every day, morning and evening, working to improve his knee extension. I appreciate his efforts, as I do Lamine’s, who combines this with playing matches. Flick has said that he is key, and we are always by his side, giving it our all.”

The Barça president also dismissed recent speculation about manager Hansi Flick’s alleged dissatisfaction, stating firmly:

“Hansi is very happy at Barça and is looking forward to returning to the stadium, which will have 105,000 fans.”

When asked about the Champions League tie against Club Brugge, Laporta praised the Belgian side while underlining Barça’s objective:

“They are a team that is in the Champions League, with passionate supporters, and it will be a great match. We want to earn three important points, which would put us on 9 points and could see us in third or fourth place.”

Finally, Laporta expressed optimism about the team’s trajectory, despite the injury crisis.

“We are improving, on an upward trend. Against Elche, all three forwards scored and we are happy with how we are progressing. It’s not an excuse, but it’s a reality that we have a lot of injuries and that has disrupted our plans,” he concluded.

Source: SPORT