Lamine Yamal Shares Secrets to Managing His Game Time Effectively

BARCELONA, Spain — Lamine Yamal, the talented 17-year-old soccer player for FC Barcelona, recently discussed his experience managing game time and physical endurance at the elite level.

Following a season marked by his consistent appearances for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team, concerns about potential burnout and injuries have surfaced. However, Yamal confidently asserts he has developed strategies to navigate these challenges.

“I’m feeling very good. I think one thing I have learned this year is how to manage myself,” Yamal told ESPN. He elaborated on his approach, explaining, “There are people who say: ‘Why don’t you move for 10 minutes?’ But at the end of the day, there are moments when you don’t have to run all the time.”

The young forward believes understanding when to exert energy is key not only for individual performance during matches but also for long-term health throughout the season. “You have to know how to manage yourself during the game, during the season, to know during training what you have to do… So I think that’s something I’ve learned. And, to be honest, I am doing really well,” he said.

Yamal’s insights resonate with those of German coach Hansi Flick, who has expressed a cautious approach regarding the player’s extensive playtime. Flick has faced pressure to rest Yamal but remains committed to maximizing his contributions on the field.

When pondering his future, Yamal approached the subject with a blend of ambition and pragmatism. “That’s a difficult question,” he acknowledged when asked where he sees himself in ten years. “I’ll be 27 [years old]… I think similar to now, going between the training ground and my house, and back to the training ground.”

As the young star continues to adapt and thrive under pressure, fans and club officials alike will be watching closely to see how Yamal maintains his performance while balancing the demands of professional soccer.