Jordi Cruyff discloses what Xavi told Barcelona officials after Lamine Yamal's first training session with first team 

Former Barcelona sporting director Jordi Cruyff recently shared what Xavi Hernandez said after Lamine Yamal's first training session with the first team. He said that the Spaniard recognized the youngster's abilities within five minutes.

Yamal has taken the football world by storm with his exploits at the highest level at such a young age. The winger, who turned 17 in July this year, has already made 57 senior appearances for the Blaugrana, contributing 11 goals and 13 assists. He's also been named in the shortlist for the 2024 Kopa Trophy.

Yamal made his senior debut for Barcelona when he was just 15 years nine months and 16 days old in 2023. He came on as a substitute in a 4-0 win over Real Betis in La Liga under Xavi Hernandez. Former Barca sporting director Jordi Cruyff has now revealed what Xavi told him about the youngster after his first training session with the first team.

"I remember Lamine Yamal's first training session with the first team. After 5 minutes, Xavi told us: 'This kid is special'," Cruyff said (via Barca Universal).

Yamal has started this season brilliantly as well, scoring four goals and providing four assists in six games across competitions for Barcelona. He also helped Spain win the UEFA Euro 2024 and was named the Young Player of the Tournament.

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Hansi Flick shares what he told his players after Barcelona's defeat against AS Monaco

La Blaugrana began their UEFA Champions League 2024-25 campaign with a 2-1 defeat against AS Monaco at Stade Louis II on Thursday, September 19. A miscommunication between Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Eric Garcia led to the latter's sending-off in the 10th minute.

Maghnes Akliouche opened the scoring for Monaco in the 16th minute before Lamine Yamal equalized for Barcelona in the 28th minute. The hosts pushed for a winner against the 10 men and finally got in the 71st minute through George Ilenikhena.

Sharing his thoughts on the game, Hansi Flick also shared what he told the players after the defeat. He said (via Barca Blaugranes):

“Yes, the game changed completely [after the red]. We tried at all times, we defended with passion. We made some mistakes, but we tried to score goals. We had some chances, but they deserved to win,” he told Movistar.

“We lost, okay, I told the players that, but now we have to come back stronger, recover for Sunday’s game. We have to give our best and fight for the team. We lost this game, but we will continue to fight.”

Barcelona will next face Villarreal at El Madrigal in La Liga on Sunday, September 22. They sit atop the standings with five wins in five games.