Lamine Yamal delivered a playful message to Xavi Hernández following the former Barcelona manager's appointment as Netherlands head coach. Speaking ahead of Barcelona's Champions League clash against Feyenoord, the 19-year-old winger praised his former mentor while maintaining unwavering loyalty to Spain's national team.
Yamal, who made his senior Barcelona debut under Xavi's guidance, expressed genuine warmth toward the departing tactician. "He is a fantastic coach and as far as I'm concerned, he can win all the international matches," the Spanish winger told reporters. "Just not the games against Spain." The quip perfectly captured Yamal's gratitude to Xavi while reinforcing his fierce commitment to La Roja—a balance few players navigate with such ease.
Xavi's Dutch Project and Barcelona's Champions League Ambitions
Xavi's transition from Camp Nou to the Dutch national team marks a significant shift in his managerial career. The legendary Barcelona midfielder, who won 14 trophies during his playing days at the club, now inherits a Netherlands squad seeking to reclaim European prominence. Yamal's witty farewell underscores the mutual respect between player and coach—a relationship forged during the teenager's explosive rise to prominence in La Liga and Europe.
Beyond tributes to his former manager, Yamal emphasized Barcelona's reinforced roster and Continental aspirations. Manager Hansi Flick has assembled an attacking-minded squad bolstered by summer signings including Anthony Gordon, Rodri, Karim Adeyemi, and Joao Cancelo. The German boss has publicly declared Barcelona possess the quality to win the Champions League this season. Yamal echoed that ambition, identifying the European trophy as his primary objective for the 2024-25 campaign. With Barcelona hosting Feyenoord on Wednesday, the Blaugrana look to establish early momentum and continue their pursuit of silverware across multiple competitions.
