The Albany Gazette - Flick supporting 'self-confident' Yamal Ballon d'Or bid

The 19-year-old forward, who won the World Cup with Spain and La Liga with Barca last season, said Sunday he believes he deserves the individual accolade.

Yamal claimed in an interview with Movistar that he and Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe were the two best players in the world and that his teams' success should put him first, when the award is decided on October 26.

"I think he's honest, has the self-confidence and shows in the beginning of the season how good he is," Flick told reporters.

Yamal has scored seven goals in Barca's last four games, helping the Catalan giants maintain a 100 percent start to the season.

Flick said although he would have preferred the teenager not to have spoken about it, he accepts it as part of the winger's self-belief.

"He's exceptional and it's a part of this... I would not prefer this, but he's doing this. He has self-confidence, he wants to win the Ballon d'Or.

"As a player it's an important thing. He's honest, it's his feeling and we have to accept it. I will support him of course."

- Everyone goes 'wow' -

Flick said Yamal's confidence was also what makes him such a spectacular player to watch.

The youngster made his debut for the club at 15 years old and finished as runner-up in last year's Ballon d'Or award behind Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele.

"He also shows his self-confidence on the pitch and for us this is important," continued Flick.

"We all want him to play how he plays, and this is a style of confidence. One against one, or two, or three... everyone in the stadium goes 'wow'. This is Lamine and I will support him.

"It's amazing to have a player like him. When he's of the opinion he deserves it, I think also he deserves it. He won two titles with us, the World Cup with Spanish national team, why not?

"There's a lot of world class players on the list, so it's not easy. They will decide and I'll be very happy when it's finished."

Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane is also among the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or.

La Liga leaders Barca welcome promoted side Racing Santander to Camp Nou on Wednesday as they bid to maintain their perfect start to the season.

Barcelona's rebuilt stadium will host the Champions League final in 2029, European football governing body UEFA announced earlier Tuesday.

Flick, whose contract with the club ends in 2028, said he did not know if he would still be managing Barca by then.

"I'm 100 percent there... as a coach or as a supporter of Barca," said the coach.

"We never know what happens. Football is very fast. I enjoy staying in Barcelona, coaching Barca, this is a fantastic team, but in the end you don't know what happens."

(K.Jones--TAG)