Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has shared his thoughts on Barcelona academy graduate Lamine Yamal.
Guardiola is himself a La Masia graduate, who started his senior playing career at Camp Nou in 1990. After his retirement as a player, he also started his managerial career with Barca.
During his four seasons as the head coach of Barcelona from 2008 to 2012, Guardiola led the squad to win a total of 14 trophies. He has always been candid about his admiration for his boyhood club.
Yamal has already won hearts with his brilliance on the pitch after making his debut for Barcelona’s senior team at the young age of 15. His performance for Spain national team in the Euros, which they ultimately won, set him higher, with many comparing him with Lionel Messi.
Guardiola, however, believes that the fans and critics should give Yamal his time to grow in his career before drawing comparisons to the greatest names of the game.
What did Man City boss Pep Guardiola say about Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal?
Guardiola has asked everyone to ‘wait and see’ before comparing the young talent to the greats, while mentioning (comments via @ferrancorreas) that ‘he’s in the best place in the world to grow.’
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“Let him have his career; in 10 or 15 years we’ll see if he can be compared to the greatest. We have to wait and see; he’s in the best place in the world to grow… Everything points to a very good career given the amount of talent he has,” he said.
Guardiola also shared his opinion on Yamal’s recent contract extension with Barcelona last week, clarifying (comments via @ferrancorreas) that Man City are not currently interested in signing him. His new deal with the Catalan club is valid until the summer of 2031.
“It’s because he deserves it. He’s surrounded by the right people. [Lionel] Messi wasn’t affected at all, he was a competitive beast. I’m surprised Man City isn’t interested. He’s very good… He has to keep working, and I’m sure Barca will help. What’s clear is he’s in the best place. As a Barca fan, I’m very happy,” said Guardiola.
With four trophies, 25 goals and 34 assists in 106 matches at the age of 17, it remains to be seen what heights Yamal reaches at Barcelona.
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