Lamine Yamal press conference: Barcelona star on UCL comeback chances
As Barça gears up to try to overcome a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Atlético, Lamine Yamal looked ahead to Tuesday’s UCL quarterfinal second leg.
What reasons are there to believe?
We’re a young team, we’re all Barça through and through, and I think we’ve shown that all season. Tomorrow we’re going to give absolutely everything.
How do you picture tomorrow’s match?
We have to be intense, stay true to our game, and not think of a comeback as some kind of miracle. We’re starting from 2-0 down, but we need to play the way we know how.
Do the chances of pulling off the comeback depend on you?
Luckily, I’m playing for Barcelona, and there’s a lot of quality in this team. I don’t think it all depends on me, and if it did, I wouldn’t mind. But I trust my teammates.
Why did you post a photo of NBA superstar LeBron James on social media?
He’s one of my role models. I’ll think about how he did it [pulled off comebacks]. We have a lot of leaders in this team. I consider myself one of them, but I’m definitely not the only one.
What message of hope can you send to the Barça fans?
If we’re eliminated, it will be at the very end, after giving everything. We’ll leave it all out there for the badge. This tie isn’t over. A comeback is absolutely possible - that’s why we’re here.
How do you imagine your own performance tomorrow?
With a lot of hunger. I honestly can’t wait for tomorrow to get here.
Is this a chance for revenge after this season’s Copa del Rey elimination to Atlético?
It’s true that we were knocked out. But it’s not just about that. We’ve gone many years without winning the Champions League, and we are Barça. We believe we can go through.
Are you coming into this match in your richest vein of form so far this season?
I feel really good, very confident, and very motivated to make the difference. I hope I can do just that. Let’s see if [Atlético head coach Diego] “Cholo” [Simeone] does me a favor and leaves me one‑on‑one with a defender.
In interviews you’ve said that what makes you happiest is scoring in the Champions League. Why?
Along with the World Cup, it’s one of the best competitions there is. That’s why I love scoring goals with Barcelona in the Champions League.
How important is it to play with homegrown players?
It’s huge. We all love Barcelona. We’ll give everything and fight until the very end.
Where do you see yourself in three years?
With many more trophies. With a World Cup, with a Champions League title…
How do you handle taking on so much responsibility at 18 years old?
I’ve been lucky enough to take on plenty of responsibility from a very young age, so I’m used to it. I don’t see it as a problem, but as a strength. I like the trust my teammates put in me.
How do you deal with frustration?
There’s a lot of tension in every match. When things don’t go my way, I try to help the team in any way I can.
Neymar was the star against PSG in Barça’s famous 6-1 win in 2017.
Neymar defined my childhood - he’s my idol. He inspires all of us, and he’s the kind of player you’d pay just to see live. I really hope he can be at the World Cup.
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