The coach of Barcelona, Xavi Hernandez, was cautious about the role that 16-year-old Lamine Yamal can have this season, who on Tuesday, in the Joan Gamper Trophy, led the comeback of the Blaugrana against Tottenham Hotspur (4-2) coming off the bench in the final stretch.
"Lamine is a talent that we have to manage. It's wonderful to see him play with such audacity. And Ansu (Fati) and Ferran (Torres) have also played very well," he said at the end of the match.
What were you doing at his age? ???? pic.twitter.com/li39YXDswp
- FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 8, 2023
Xavi admitted that the team didn't play as well today as in the last friendly against Milan, although he praised the opponent and praised the reaction in the second half.
"We played against a great team, with great players and a high pace. We started well in the first half, but it didn't quite work out. The changes and the change of system allowed us to react," he said.
About the move to the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, the coach of the blaugrana team commented that "the feelings are good," but that they still have to adapt to their new home and, to achieve this, they will need the support of the fans: "We have to encourage people to come. We need them. Last year we won titles thanks to them."
The best possible debut at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. ❤️???? pic.twitter.com/K2OjdePF2k
- FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 8, 2023
Xavi downplayed the injury of Ronald Araujo, who requested to be substituted after half an hour. "It was just a discomfort and he will be ready for Sunday," he assured about the center-back, who played as a right-back on Tuesday.
The coach from Terrassa did not want to anticipate anything about what will happen in the last weeks of the summer transfer market. "The board assures me tranquility regarding the registrations. I don't know if Ansu will stay. He is training well like Ferran. We can't say anything until August 31, because we have a 'fair play' problem," said Xavi, who also avoided commenting on the possible return of Neymar.
"We have to reinforce ourselves well. The sports area and the president know it. We will see what the 'fair play' allows us. Neymar? I can't anticipate any names. I already said something last year and they got mad at me," he concluded.
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