Lamine Yamal says Real Madrid can have no complaints about his public criticism of them while Barcelona continue to dominate their Clasico rivals on the pitch.
Yamal played a key role as Barca beat Madrid in a dramatic Copa del Rey final on Saturday, laying on two assists as the Blaugrana triumphed 3-2 in extra time.
The 17-year-old teed up goals from Pedri and Ferran Torres as Barca won the domestic cup for a record-extending 32nd time, also recording their third straight Clasico win this season.
Barca also won 4-0 at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in LaLiga earlier this campaign and triumphed by a 5-2 scoreline in January's Supercopa de Espana final. That means Hansi Flick is only the second Barca coach to win his first three Clasicos, after Pep Guardiola won his first five.
In the aftermath of Barca's win, Yamal told reporters of Madrid: "They cannot handle us this year, we have shown it."
His comments sparked a backlash from Madrid supporters and sections of the Spanish media, but he is unfazed by that reaction.
"While I'm winning, they can't say anything," Yamal told reporters on the eve of Barca's Champions League semi-final first leg against Inter. "When they beat me, they can."
Asked about his confidence in his abilities, the teenage winger added: "I don't have any fear, but I do feel that motivation and get those butterflies in my stomach before a game.
"I think that's a good thing. As for any fear, I left that behind in the park in Mataro a long time ago.
"I wouldn't say I feel any pressure. The atmosphere at the Copa del Rey final, for example, is something to go out and enjoy. I don't view it as pressure."
Yamal now has 34 goal involvements in all competitions this season (14 goals, 20 assists), with only Raphinha (51) and Robert Lewandowski (43) having more for Barca.
That figure also puts Yamal at least 10 clear of the next-best teenager in Europe's top five leagues, with Paris Saint-Germain's Desire Doue on 24 (13 goals, 11 assists).
Yamal's stunning emergence over the last couple of seasons have led some to compare him to Barca icon Lionel Messi, but the Euro 2024 winner rejects those comparisons.
"I don't compare myself with anyone, so especially not with Messi," he said. "I will leave that to you.
"I try to be myself and to follow my own path. Obviously, I admire him as the best player ever, but I don't compare myself with him."
Barca host Inter in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday, before travelling to San Siro for the return fixture next Tuesday.
Rewalmnst
181
why is he talking as if je wasn't there last season when madrid was trashing them back to back or was he in the hospital
fukelnouyz
55
This guy has too much pride. Humility is a virtue to success He should better be humble if he wants to remain successful.
my-blood-is-red
44
why is he talking as if je wasn't there last season when madrid was trashing them back to back or was he in the hospital
Learn to listen stupid the kid said they can speake if madrid beat them but they're the one winning this season not them
Omar Mhairat
42
they did last season and nobody heard you or your team saying a word..this boy is quickly turning from a wonder kid that everybody liked and supported to an arrogant a-hole
Osas101
38
Your career will soon come to an end
Kiuabcnty
35
u are still learning football focus on your career and stop bragging it won't help you lad
Miyabcnpuz
32
why is he talking as if je wasn't there last season when madrid was trashing them back to back or was he in the hospital
he said these season not last season...learn how to read and understand words...
Rewalmnst
13
why is he talking as if je wasn't there last season when madrid was trashing them back to back or was he in the hospital
okay better but the media is just trying to push a narrative to make people start hating the kid if I was yamal I will stop answering my questions from those journalists
Bode1
10
Most of you here just type without meditating words. He clearly said this season we own them previous season they own us he won’t come out to talk last season buh this season we own them which is true, u need talk with courage and confidence yamal and Messi are not the same. A Real Madrid team with vini/mbappe while this 17yrs old boy keeps shining. A collective team will prevail you can’t tell me nothing. You think packing stars join will help you nah mbappe want to shine more Dan vini likewise vice vasa. I don’t know next season oh buh this season we’ve beaten them to win trophies. I will say more Dan that as a player. He is a replicant to Cristiano Ronaldo cos y’all know Ronaldo is d only one dat will say this so why re you guys k*lling yourselves on his statement. Yamal say whatever we re solidly behind you 💙❤️
dubdlosyz
8
why is he talking as if je wasn't there last season when madrid was trashing them back to back or was he in the hospital
last season was good for Madrid, and I think they enjoyed it. he can't avoid celebrating because you're crying
olusoji15
8
why is he talking as if je wasn't there last season when madrid was trashing them back to back or was he in the hospital
read and understand okay .