Guardiola talks Yamal, Flick, Laporta, Lewandowski, La Masia ahead of Barcelona friendly

Barcelona will lock horns with Premier League champions Manchester City in their first pre-season friendly of the summer in the USA.

Having gotten the better of UE Olot narrowly back in Catalonia, Barça will be hoping to pick up another win as they continue preparations for their first season under new manager Hansi Flick.

Tonight’s game against Man City pits Barcelona against their former manager and club legend Pep Guardiola, who had nothing but good to say about the Blaugrana and their players.

Guardiola praises Yamal, La Masia

Lamine Yamal has been grabbing the headlines in Europe over the past couple of months after having helped Spain win the UEFA Euro 2024, which even earned him the Young Player of the Tournament honour.

And Guardiola had words of praise for the 17-year-old, who is not part of the pre-season tour as he has been given an extended break.

“Rodri always tells me wonderful things about Lamine Yamal. He is extraordinary,” said Guardiola.

“Lamine? If Xavi gave him his debut, it’s for a reason. But I’m sure he’ll have ups and downs, he should be calm because he has a lot of race ahead of him,” he added.

Guardiola then hailed the impact and influence of La Masia on Barcelona, stating: “La Masia never fails. This generation I don’t know what their parents have given them, but they go like planes.

“Cubarsi, Pedri, Balde, Lamine… The base has always been them and signing great players from outside.”

On Laporta and Flick

Guardiola will face Barcelona tonight. (Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP via Getty Images)

Guardiola first took charge of Barcelona when Joan Laporta was president of the club back in 2008 and led the team to great success.

When asked what Laporta’s current run as club president is lacking to be as successful as the past, he replied:

“I’m not there and I don’t know. Believe me, if I knew, I would call the president and tell him. I’m very far away and I’ve been out for a long time.”

On being…

Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/guardiola-talks-yamal-flick-laporta-lewandowski-la-masia-ahead-of-barcelona-friendly/

Author : Michel Durant

Publish date : 2024-07-30 09:28:17

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