‘If Paul Scholes says that, it means a lot’ – Barcelona manager on comments from Manchester United legend | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has cited Manchester United legend Paul Scholes as evidence that Pedri is performing at the very top level of late, while also giving the down low on how Lamine Yamal reacted to missing out the Ballon d’Or. The German manager himself was nominated for the Johan Cruyff Trophy, which Luis Enrique won for the manager of the year.

Scholes posted on social media that Pedri was his ‘new favourite player‘, and also remarked this week that he was ‘a combination of Xavi and Iniesta’, praising his ability to control the game. Flick explained that Scholes’ words arguably held as much weight as the Ballon d’Or ranking.

“When you’re a forward, you are a little bit more in the focus. But when a player like Paul Scholes says this, it means a lot. Because he was also a fantastic player, he was also a midfielder. He knows what he’s talking about. This means a lot for me, because Pedri is at an unbelievable level, as is Frenkie. I’m very happy with what I see in training.”

Lamine Yamal’s reaction to Ballon d’Or

After Lamine Yamal missed out on the Ballon d’Or, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele picking up the award, he was seen congratulating the Frenchman. He did so again in a social media post, noting that ‘you have to climb to get to the top’. Flick had no concerns over how the 18-year-old would respond.

“I spoke to him, and he’s motivated for the coming years. He’s accepted it as a sporting act and is motivated to show his full potential, and he’ll certainly have a chance to win it in the coming years. Ousmane also deserved it. Not only was he nominated, but we also had other players, which shows that we’re doing things right.”

Image via France Football

With the teenage superstar currently out injured, it was put to Flick that he might need to be the one to step in and prescribe rest for precocious Spain international, as he pursues the number one spot in football.

“He will see it also, when he feels it also, when he needs the rest. It’s not just him, it’s also Pedri, it’s also the other players. But I’m not focused on the players that are not there, I think it’s important that the player feels the confidence I have in them. I’m happy with my team.”

Flick on Ballon d’Or gala

Flick admitted that he wasn’t especially keen on the awards night, but that he was happy with the conversations he had with his peers about Barcelona.

“To be honest, it’s not my favourite thing. It’s part of my job, it’s important for the club, so I travel. I’m not into these things with celebrities, or ‘important or influential people’ thing. I was happy to speak with [Lothar] Matthaus, and some other big players from the past, and they all say they are really happy with how we are playing. What I can say is that I’m very proud of my team.”