2024-03-29
Barcelona coach Savi Hernandez, during his press conference ahead of Saturday's clash against Las Palmas, pointed out that his prodigies Lamin Yamal, 16, and Pau Gubarzi, 17, “could mark an era in world football” this Friday.
“His challenge is to stay in elite football for many years. They have the skills, the conditions and the mentality. They are two footballers who represent an era in Barça and in world football. “Barca is a huge step in football,” said Xavi.
Yamal was Spain's man of the match in Tuesday's 3-3 friendly against Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu, while Gubarsi made his international debut three days ago in a 1-0 win over Colombia at Wembley.
“A lot of people come, but it's very difficult to stay. They can, they have the mentality and the ability,” said the coach, who described Yamal as “very calm”.
“On a mental level he's a happy guy, a joker, more and more fun, he's happy,” he continued of the winger.
Barcelona will try to close the eight-point gap at the leaders Real MadridFaces Athletic on Sunday.
The Blaugranas travel to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on April 10.
“There is still time for PSG. We have to focus on the club because we want to fight for it and we think we can do it. We have to put pressure on Real Madrid,” Xavi said.