Lamine Yamal talks his first UCL semi-final, criticism, fear, comparison with Messi ahead of Barcelona vs Inter Milan | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to play another crucial match tomorrow, on Wednesday, as they take on Inter Milan in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final.

The Blaugrana players will be coming into this game with their morale sky-high after winning the Copa del Rey final against their arch-rivals, Real Madrid. However, they will also be facing significant fatigue, as they had to play 30 extra minutes in that game.

Hansi Flick addressed the press ahead of this game and talked about different aspects of the upcoming match and some matters related to his team.

But before him, it was Lamine Yamal who took the microphones and addressed the questions posed by the journalists.

Mundo Deportivo has reported the main highlights of this presser, which are reproduced below:

Lamine Yamal started by talking about how this is going to be a special match for him:

“We’re very excited — it’s my first semifinal, and for many in my team as well. We want to show everything we’re capable of and reach the final.”

When asked about the criticism he faces for some of his adolescent mannerisms, the Spaniard was clear he does not deserve to be criticised when he is winning everything:

“As long as I keep winning, they can’t say anything to me — when they beat me, then they can.”

The youngster had a hard time picking up one player when he was asked about who has surprised him the most:

“Apart from players like Pedri or Raphinha… Iñigo and Frenkie de Jong have also surprised me. They are great professionals and are performing at an incredible level.”

When asked about the legacy he would like to leave, Lamine Yamal had a clear answer:

The La Masia graduate highlighted the biggest strengths of his upcoming rivals:

“We know that defensively they are very strong and that defense is their biggest weapon. They’re also very quick on the counter and have a good team. We have to play our usual game to get through to the next round.”

The youngster expressed his pride on being able to play so many games for Barcelona at such a young age:

The Blaugrana star was clear that he is not feeling any fear ahead of this crucial tie against Inter Milan:

“I haven’t felt that fear, but I do have the motivation before a match. I left fear behind at the park in Mataró a long time ago.”

Similarly, he also ensured that he was not feeling any pressure in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid:

“I wouldn’t call it pressure. In the end, I go out to enjoy myself, I take it as something positive, and I feel like I have to enjoy the moment.”

Lamine Yamal celebrating after helping Barcelona win the Copa del Rey. [Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images]

Continuing talking about that match, Lamine Yamal commented on how demanding it was physically:

“It’s true that the last match was one of the most physically demanding for us. In the end, between the tension of the game and knowing what was at stake, our legs just couldn’t go any further. When you play against Madrid, it’s the heart that pushes you more than the legs — and that’s what we’ve had this season, which maybe we lacked in others.”

When asked whether Inter Milan’s league struggles will have an impact on the game tomorrow, the youngster replied in the negative:

“With all due respect, I believe it has nothing to do with it because you’re fighting to reach a Champions League final, and it’s not the league.”

Spain experienced a blackout yesterday, and the Barcelona star revealed how he spent that extraordinary time:

“The truth is, I didn’t know what to do. I came here to the Ciutat Esportiva and ran into several teammates.”

The youngster was also asked if he has talked to the player whose successor he is widely being seen as, i.e., Lionel Messi:

“I don’t compare myself to anyone, especially not Messi, I leave that to you. It doesn’t make sense. I try to enjoy and follow my own path. I haven’t spoken to him.”

Lamine Yamal was also asked if this is going to be his era, to which he replied:

“I hope it’s the era of Barça, not Lamine’s era. As for Messi not scoring against Inter… I’m sure he’s missed that team with all the players he’s scored against. I hope I can score.”

Regarding his youth, the winger was clear that football does not require you to be a certain age to perform well:

“There’s no age in football. It’s a sport that depends on the quality and mindset of each player. We’re performing at a very high level with a very young team. Age is just a number.”

The La Masia graduate picked two players from the Inter Milan squad whom he found particularly impressive:

“Well, I really like Barella and Lautaro. When they have the ball, they play very well, and defensively, they defend very well. It’s a team I enjoy watching.”

The youngster also showed gratitude for a message he received from his teammate and captain, Raphinha:

“It was a very long message… It was personal and something only he knew. He’s a very important person, a veteran with a lot of experience. For all of us young players, having someone like that in the locker room is really beneficial.”

Lastly, Lamine Yamal was clear that things have not changed much as he has progressed through the ranks at Barcelona:

This was quite a lengthy chat from the winger with the journalists, and Yamal talked on some interesting subjects. Hopefully, he will also put on an impressive performance tomorrow and help his side get a favorable result in the UCL tie.