Flick: Yamal is the best in the world

Barcelona’s head coach, the German Hansi Flick, praised his team’s performance following a commanding 5-2 victory over hosts Real Betis in the ninth round of the Spanish La Liga, while Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini criticized the refereeing decisions.

Flick said: “We played at a very high level, especially in attack, and it was a tough match against a strong opponent. I think we deserved the win.”

He praised his star player Lamine Yamal, who scored the opening goal, saying: “In my opinion, he is currently the best player in the world,” adding that he was happy with Yamal’s performance and commitment despite the pressures he faces at just 19 years old.

For his part, Pellegrini expressed anger at the refereeing, describing the referee’s performance as “extremely disappointing.” He argued that key decisions, most notably disallowing a goal for Betis and sending off Uruguayan player Facundo Bernal in the 54th minute, helped decide the match. He added that his team played well and that the result did not reflect the flow of the game, noting that the red card changed the course of the match.

The joy of the victory was marred by Barcelona’s announcement that defenders Jules Koundé and Eric García would miss the upcoming Champions League match against French side Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday due to injury.

The club stated in a press release that Koundé has suffered a left ankle sprain, casting doubt on his availability for Sunday’s “Clásico” against Real Madrid.

García, meanwhile, will be sidelined for three to four weeks due to a muscle injury in his right thigh.