Flick backs Yamal to bounce back for Barcelona after Ballon d'Or disappointment

Yamal finished third in Monday's voting, behind winner Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe, despite helping Barcelona win La Liga and Spain lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Flick believes the 19-year-old has everything required to win football's most prestigious individual award and was impressed by his reaction to the result.

"Harry Kane deserved it, but you already know what I think about Lamine. He's at the level required to win this award," Flick said.

"I'm very proud of Lamine. He reacted very well and was very focused in training. That's the way to respond. His mentality is very good for the team."

Yamal will be hoping to make his mark against Alaves as Barcelona look to recover from consecutive defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

After winning their opening 11 matches in all competitions, Flick's side suffered a 4-2 Champions League defeat in Paris before losing 2-1 at home to Real Madrid in last weekend's El Clasico.

Flick wants an immediate response from his players, with Barcelona still holding a two-point advantage at the top of LaLiga.

"The most important thing tomorrow is to win," the German coach said. "The team is playing well, and we believe in our strengths. I've seen a good training session and a positive mood. We have to show that tomorrow."

However, Flick warned that Alaves would provide a difficult challenge, particularly with their defensive organisation.

"Alaves are a team that know how to defend well, but we're Barca, and we want to show our best version," he added.

Flick admitted that losing is never easy but reminded his players that there is still plenty of football to be played this season.

"It's at the end of the season that we can win trophies," he said. "We have to deal with it. We could have won, but we have to accept defeat and learn from it."

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