"Told me that I was going to score, and that’s what happened" - Lamine Yamal on conversation with new Barcelona boss before Euro 2024 SF
Lamine Yamal has opened up about his conversation with Barcelona's new manager Hansi Flick ahead of the EURO 2024 semi-finals. On Tuesday (July 9), Spain beat France 2-1 to reach the final, where they will lock horns with England at the Olympiastadion Berlin on Sunday (July 14).
Yamal was the shining star in the semi-final as he equalized for Spain with a remarkable curler from distance. Before the game, the 17-year-old spoke with Flick. In his interview with RAC1, he said (via Reshad Rahman's X handle):
"Me and Flick often talk on WhatsApp. Before the match against France, he told me that I was going to score, and that’s what happened. After the game, we spoke again. Even if it's just messages, I'm happy to already have good relations with him."
Lamine Yamal scored in the 21st minute and will hope he can cap what has been a brilliant set of performances with the EURO 2024 trophy.
Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal discusses win over France in EURO 2024 semi-final
It was a quality goal from Lamine Yamal as Spain beat Les Bleus 2-1 in the EURO 2024 semi-final. The 17-year-old spoke about the goal, a curler that beat the goalkeeper as it hit the crossbar and entered at the far post.
In his interview with Jijantes FC, the young winger revealed the events that took place after Spain secured their berth in the final against England, saying (via Barca Universal):
“After the game against France, the first thing I did was go to sleep and rest. Luckily I was able to. The next day I answered all the messages. At the end of the game against France, I saw the name ‘Lamine’ on all the Instagram notes. I realized that people were happy and supported me. I try to enjoy it and not think about the pressure."
Yamal also expressed gratitude to former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, who led the forward to this point:
“I think the coach who has had the most impact on me is Xavi. He was the one who gave me my debut, and gave me confidence by giving me minutes," he added.
Lamine Yamal will be hoping he can return to pre-season with Barcelona on a high by winning the EURO 2024 final with Spain. He will have to remain wary about England's defense, which has conceded four goals in six games.