‘He’s 18, come on!’ – Yamal needs protection, insists Flick after Barca loss to Atleti

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick issued an impassioned plea for officials to shield teenage winger Lamine Yamal after the 18-year-old endured a bruising evening in his side’s 2-0 UEFA Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid. Speaking in the aftermath of the setback, Flick underlined the physical attention directed at Yamal and argued that greater referee intervention is essential to safeguard the emerging talent.

“He’s 18, come on!” Flick exclaimed, emphasising both Yamal’s youth and the need for referees to offer him more protection. The manager’s remarks came as Barcelona slipped to a two-goal loss that leaves their European progression hopes hanging in the balance.

While the source text did not detail specific incidents, Flick’s post-match comments centred squarely on the treatment of the winger, suggesting persistent challenges went unpunished. With Barcelona now forced to regroup ahead of upcoming fixtures, the German coach’s concern for Yamal’s welfare is likely to remain a talking point as the club navigates a pivotal stretch of the season.