Barça: Flick praises Yamal's attitude despite Ballon d'Or disappointment

Flick praised Yamal's response after finishing third in the Ballon d'Or behind Kane and Mbappé, saying the 19-year-old has shown champion mentality.

Lamine Yamal finished third in the Ballon d'Or voting at age 19, behind winner Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick praised the winger's reaction to the disappointment, saying he has responded well and remained focused in training.

"I am very proud of him because he reacted very well. I also see in training that he is very concentrated. That is how champions react," Flick said ahead of Barcelona's Liga match against Alavés on Saturday. "I am happy that he is on this path, with this mentality that is very beneficial for the team."

Yamal, who won the World Cup with Spain and La Liga with Barcelona last season, did win the Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21. Barcelona currently leads La Liga but has suffered two consecutive defeats to PSG in the Champions League and Real Madrid in the league.