Barcelona bounced back from recent disappointing results in La Liga with an emphatic 5-1 win over Real Mallorca on Tuesday evening, in a match brought forward from the 19th round.
This victory puts Barcelona atop the league with 37 points, four ahead of second-place Real Madrid, who have two games in hand. Mallorca remains in sixth place with 24 points.
According to Spanish newspaper El Nacional, coach Hansi Flick was pleased with the team’s strong second-half performance and their complete three-point gain.
He particularly praised Lamine Yamal’s display, highlighting the young star’s precise passing, which disrupted Mallorca’s defense and made things easier for Barcelona.
The report also mentioned that Flick congratulated substitute Pau Victor for his goal after coming on, commending his movement and relentless pressure on Mallorca’s defense. He encouraged Victor to prepare for a potential starting role in the upcoming match against Real Betis.
In an unexpected move, Flick also acknowledged the impressive showing of substitute Frenkie de Jong, urging him to keep up his performance and prove his worth to those doubting him.
The coach expressed full confidence in De Jong, despite rumors about the club considering his sale in January, and reiterated his desire for him to stay with Barcelona.
The article concluded with a note that club president Joan Laporta went straight to the locker room after the match, specifically to praise Lamine Yamal for his exceptional performance, telling him, “You are the driving force of the team this season.”
Keep on the good work and things will get better with you senior player. You are most respected De jong.