Flick plays down Yamal frustration after subbing in Barca win
Lamine Yamal was visibly frustrated when he was substituted during Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.
Hansi Flick insisted that he has no problem with Lamine Yamal after the winger was visibly frustrated after being substituted during Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Barca came from a goal down to win at the Camp Nou, with Jules Kounde scoring both goals for the LaLiga outfit in the Champions League after Ansgar Knauff’s opener.
Yamal assisted Kounde’s 53rd-minute winner, with the Frenchman becoming the first defender to score twice in a Champions League match for Barcelona since Ronald Koeman in March 1994 against Spartak Moscow.
Kounde was also the first Barca player ever to score two headed goals in a game in the competition.
Yamal was replaced by Roony Bardghji in the 89th minute of proceedings, but was not happy to be substituted late on.
Flick believes there is nothing to talk about regarding the matter, with the German coach understanding Yamal’s point of view.
“He had a slight disappointment, but he had a yellow card and we needed fresh legs,” said Flick.
“It's not a problem. It is what it is. I understand him; everyone wants to play, and he believes he can play 100 minutes.
“He's young. It's a good attitude. I have no problem with it. I was a player myself. I accept it.”
Since beating Galatasaray 5-1 on MD1 this season, there have been 18 goals scored in Champions League matches involving Frankfurt – they have conceded 15 of them and been winless in all five games (D1 L4).
Frankfurt's Knauff netted only his second Champions League goal in 18 appearances (12 for Frankfurt, six for Borussia Dortmund), with his other coming on MD1 this season in the 5-1 win over Galatasaray.
Frankfurt head coach Dino Toppmoller was disappointed with how his side performed in the second half, but believes there were still plenty of positives to take.
“The second half hurt us. That's not our style,” said Toppmoller.
“The players did very well today. More important than this result has been reinforcing their belief, making them believe in themselves because after Saturday's match, players can lose faith in themselves.
“But I have faith in my team. The players gave their all, which is what we want to see.”
