Barcelona assistant coach Marcus Sorg has expressed confidence that teenage sensation Lamine Yamal will use recent criticism as motivation in Saturday’s El Clasico clash against Real Madrid.
The 18-year-old winger has been in the spotlight after comments he made during a live stream were interpreted as a jab at Real Madrid, creating a buzz ahead of the high-profile match at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Speaking to journalists during the pre-match press conference, Sorg said the controversy surrounding Yamal would not affect his focus or performance. “Lamine is a top player, and I think all the criticism will only motivate him more. I hope everyone gets to see his best version tomorrow,” Sorg stated confidently.
The assistant coach will lead the Catalan side for the crucial La Liga tie as head coach Hansi Flick serves a suspension. Despite a series of injuries affecting the team, including the absence of winger Raphinha and uncertainty over defender Jules Kounde’s fitness, Sorg maintained that Barcelona remains prepared for the challenge.
Yamal has been one of Barcelona’s standout performers this season, drawing comparisons to some of the club’s greats for his creativity, speed, and maturity on the ball. His recent remarks, which jokingly accused Real Madrid of “stealing and complaining,” sparked mixed reactions among fans and media outlets across Spain.
Sorg emphasized that young players like Yamal must learn to handle pressure and criticism in big games, especially when representing a club of Barcelona’s stature. He added that the team’s focus is on football and not on distractions from outside the pitch. “Our objective is to play our football, stay united, and give our best performance,” he said.
Barcelona will aim to maintain their strong record in the El Clasico fixture, having dominated their recent meetings with Real Madrid. Fans are expecting another thrilling contest as Yamal looks to make his mark on one of the world’s most watched football matches.
