Hansi Flick explains decision to bench Barcelona talisman vs Celta Vigo | OneFootball

As Barcelona get set to take on Celta Vigo at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys soon, there is a notable absence from the starting XI.

Indeed, manager Hansi Flick has decided to bench talismanic winger Lamine Yamal for the clash against the Galician outfit.

The 17-year-old has been a permanent fixture in the team week in and week out, but finds himself on the bench today, with Ferran Torres taking his place in the lineup.

Flick explains Lamine absence

Flick addressed the media ahead of the match against Celta to clarify why rising star Lamine Yamal would start on the bench.

The German coach downplayed the decision, presenting it as part of a well-thought-out plan agreed with the player.

“Is it surprising that Lamine Yamal is on the bench and getting some rest? It should not surprise anyone,” Flick stated.

“After four months, we felt he needed a break. There are still many matches ahead. I spoke with him and everything is fine.”

Flick has benched Lamine Yamal vs Celta Vigo. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

While Flick did not rule out giving Yamal minutes depending on how the game unfolds, he explained that the coaching staff saw this fixture as the ideal opportunity to rest the youngster.

Barring an early La Liga title win, it is unlikely the La Masia sensation will be rotated again before the end of the season.

Flick has been managing the minutes of his attacking trio carefully in recent weeks. Robert Lewandowski was the first to be rotated, followed by Raphinha, following the international break.

Now it is Lamine’s turn to step aside briefly, in a match where Barcelona are expected to dominate, but must still remain alert to avoid any slip-ups that could allow Real Madrid to close the gap at the top.

Ultimately, Flick underlined that the key objective is winning, regardless of who is on the pitch.

“What we want is to win and extend the gap over Real Madrid, because there are only a few games left in the league,” he said.

Source: SPORT