Barcelona legend talks Lamine, Flick, Lewandowski, Sevilla defeat, El Clasico – ‘Something must improve’ | OneFootball

The past few weeks have been turbulent in Catalonia for several reasons, both surrounding the team as a whole and over specific individuals.

For starters, the situation of the Spanish international team’s careless utilisation of Lamine Yamal infuriated the club, for the player was left forced out of action for several weeks owing to the same.

Adding to that, the team’s poor back-to-back results against PSG and Sevilla and it is clear that the limelight is shining bright on Barcelona and not for the right reasons.

Rivaldo on the Lamine Yamal-Spain issue

Speaking to the media, Barcelona legend Rivaldo opened up on the controversy between the club and La Roja over Lamine Yamal’s utilisation in the last international break.

“I understand that Flick is frustrated because he lost an important player, a player who makes a difference. The most important thing is to take care of the player,” he said.

“If there is a risk of injury, he must stay out, recover and return alone when he is at one hundred per cent. Playing at 60 or 70% does not help either the club or the National Team,” he added, emphasising that La Roja were wrong to overburden the star.

He then spoke out on how Yamal should have been allowed to return to Barcelona to recover and not forced to play and aggravate his blow.

“Ideally, he would recover in Barcelona and then return to the Spanish National Team. If he still feels pain, it’s better to give him time,” he noted.

Concurrently, however, the Brazilian legend singled out the medical department for giving him the green light to play despite knowing of his injury.

“It is also something normal. The club defends itself, the National Team too, and those discussions will always exist. I can also understand the side of the National Team,” said the Barça legend.

“If the medical department authorises the footballer, the federation understands that he is in a position to play,” he further remarked.

On Lamine’s presence for El Clasico

Lamine is expected to return after the international break. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Yamal is expected to be back in time for El Clasico as a starter, and the plan is for him to see some minutes against Girona. On the importance of having him back for the game against Real Madrid, Rivaldo said,

“Every Barcelona player dreams of playing a Clasico, and even more so at the Bernabeu. But he has to think about his career, not just about that game.”

“If he is 100%, perfect. Now, if he still feels discomfort, it’s better to wait. The championship has just begun; there is a long way to go. Playing risks can aggravate the injury and leave him out for longer,” he added.

The club legend also spoke on how Yamal was a serious difference-maker even playing far from his best and how Flick must weigh in all factors before deciding the date of his return.

“We know that, even at 50%, he can make a difference, but it is not ideal. He is young and has a huge future. Missing a Clasico hurts, of course, but worse would be to get injured again and spend weeks without playing,” Rivaldo noted.

“The most important thing is to be well, without pain, to help the team throughout the season,” he added.

On the Sevilla defeat

Towards the end of his interview, Rivaldo sided with Deco, who called for the team to evolve and improve after the defeat against Sevilla.

“Deco is right to say that the team must evolve. The important thing is that everyone in the club, players, coaching staff and board, understands that there is still a lot of work to do,” noted Rivaldo.

“The 4-1 against Sevilla is a sign that something must improve. It can be a lack of concentration, compenetration or intensity,” he added.

Finally, he closed with a message of support to Robert Lewandowski, who missed a crucial penalty against Sevilla, which would have levelled the scores on the night.

“He is a great player and still has a lot to offer. This is not the time to look for a replacement,” he concluded.

Source: SPORT