Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has praised Lamine Yamal’s response to missing out on the Ballon d’Or. The teenager finished third behind winner Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé.

At 19, Yamal had enjoyed a remarkable season. He helped Barcelona win La Liga and was part of Spain’s World Cup-winning side. Yet the top individual prize went to Kane. Flick said the result had not affected the young forward’s focus. Instead, his conduct in training had impressed the German coach.

Flick Praises Yamal’s Attitude

Speaking on Friday, ahead of Barcelona’s meeting with Alavés, Flick acknowledged Kane’s achievement.

“Harry Kane deserved it,” he said. But he added that Yamal had the ability to win the award in future.

The coach said he was proud of the winger. Yamal had remained focused during training and responded well to the disappointment.

“His mentality is very good for the team,” Flick said.

The comments offered public support for Yamal. They also signalled that the Ballon d’Or result would not be allowed to distract the squad.

Barcelona Seek a Response

Yamal’s award disappointment comes at a difficult moment for Barcelona. Two successive defeats have interrupted an impressive start to the campaign.

The Catalan side had won their first 11 matches in all competitions. That run was ended by a 4-2 defeat away to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. A 2-1 home loss to Real Madrid followed in the league. The result increased pressure on Flick’s side ahead of their next fixture.

Barcelona were due to host Alavés on Saturday. A victory was identified as the immediate priority.

“The most important thing tomorrow is to win,” Flick said.

He also praised the mood in training. The team, he said, remained confident in its abilities.

Alavés Present Another Test

Flick acknowledged that Alavés could pose problems. Their defensive organisation was expected to make the match difficult. But Barcelona’s ambition remained clear. The team wanted to return to its best form and protect its position at the top of the table.

The club held a two-point lead ahead of the weekend fixture. Attention was also turning to a coming meeting with Atlético Madrid.

Flick Urges Patience

Despite the recent defeats, Flick urged his players to keep perspective. The season, he said, was still a long one.

He admitted that losing was difficult to accept. But lessons had to be drawn from the setbacks.

“We have to accept defeat and learn from it,” he said.

Trophies, Flick added, would be decided at the end of the campaign. For now, the focus was on improving performances and collecting points.

For Yamal, the next match offers a chance to respond on the pitch. His coach has made clear that the Ballon d’Or result has not changed his belief in the young forward.