Flick says Barca players must step up for Yamal
Hansi Flick has demanded his Barcelona team to step up in the absence of Lamine Yamal after the 18-year-old was ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.
Yamal sustained the issue during Barcelona's 1-0 win over Celta Vigo in midweek shortly after opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 40th minute at Camp Nou.
Barcelona confirmed 24 hours after its midweek win that Yamal would not be available for the business end of its campaign, but he is expected to be back to full fitness in time for Spain's FIFA World Cup campaign.
Barcelona begins life without Yamal this weekend when it travels to Getafe, where a victory will push it ever closer to retaining its top-flight crown over Real Madrid.
"We are one team, and if one is missing, we have to stay closer and manage it with the team," Flick said when asked about the impact of Yamal's injury on the squad.
"Everyone now has to give 100 per cent or more for the team. This is important. We have six more games.
"Our goal is always to win. It won't be easy tomorrow. We have the quality to do this, but we have to play a fantastic game."
Flick said the reasoning behind Yamal's injury was because of him still learning about his body, but the German coach backed him to be back to his best by the time that the FIFA World Cup, which takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, rolls around.
"He felt something after the foul, but it was not so much. He decided to kick the penalty, and after that it's maybe more," Flick added.
"He had a feeling, but he had never had a muscle injury before. It's about learning. It's an experience, and this is what he has to learn: to feel the signals the body gives you.
"It's not easy for us or him. What I can feel is that he's really focused. He's out for us, but for the World Cup, he will be there. He will come back stronger."
But the Barcelona boss acknowledged the challenge awaiting his players at Estadio Coliseum against a Getafe side with hopes of finishing in the European places.
After ots 1-0 win over Copa del Rey champion Real Sociedad in midweek, Jose Bordalas' side sits sixth on the table, which would be enough to qualify for the UEFA Conference League next season.
"Getafe are tough," Flick said. "They defend really good. When you see the last 10 games, they're second in the table.
"They have their own philosophy, and the performances are really good."
