Former Barcelona VP talks Yamal, Flick, Szczesny: ‘What I would never do is…’

Toni Freixa, the former vice president of FC Barcelona, has shared his thoughts on several important topics surrounding the club. 

Freixa, who has consistently defended Barcelona, discussed the young talent Lamine Yamal, head coach Hansi Flick, and the signing of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, among other points.

Starting with Yamal, valued at €150 million, Freixa believes the club is managing his development very well, recognising that he is already proving his worth both at Barcelona and on the international stage. 

“His case is being managed very well. He is a very young boy, he is 17 years old, but it is a proven reality. 

“He has played in a European Championship, he has been decisive, he is also decisive at Barça,” he was quoted by SPORT.

Comparisons with Messi

Freixa said Yamal should not be compared to Messi. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

While Freixa acknowledges the extraordinary impact Yamal has made so far, he prefers to focus on the player’s future potential rather than comparing him to Lionel Messi. 

“I’m more focused on where he’s going and what’s coming than on what he’s doing right now, which is extraordinary. What I would never do is compare him to Messi. 

He emphasises that Messi is one of a kind, a player who could single-handedly change the outcome of games, scoring and assisting more than anyone else. Yamal’s future is bright, but Freixa feels it’s too early for such comparisons.

“We can’t forget him so soon. He’s the best player in history, he practically decided games single-handedly. 

“He scored more goals than anyone else, he provided more assists than anyone else. He’s incomparable. I hope Lamine becomes something similar to Messi or equals him. Let’s not rule him out.”

Thoughts on Hansi Flick

Freixa has nothing but praise for Hansi Flick. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Moving on to Flick, Freixa spoke highly of the German coach. According to him, Flick has built a physically strong team with clear tactical ideas and an aggressive approach. 

“I see a team that is very well prepared physically, with very clear ideas, with hunger, with a killer instinct, I would say.” 

Barcelona, under Flick, is relentless, always looking to extend their lead, never resting or speculating during matches. Every player is performing at their best, a testament to how well Flick has managed the squad. 

“It is a team that takes the lead on the scoreboard and goes for the second goal and when they have the second they go for the third. 

“They don’t rest, they don’t speculate. Every player that comes on has an optimal performance.” 

Freixa sees Flick as Barcelona’s most significant signing of the season, praising the way he has enhanced the team’s overall performance.

“They have managed to improve the performance of all the players. They are working very well. It is the great signing of this season,” he noted.

Words on Szczesny

Freixa feels Barcelona have made the right decision with Szczesny. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Regarding Szczesny, Freixa agrees with the club’s decision to sign the Polish goalkeeper, although he also expressed his desire for Inaki Pena to receive more trust and opportunities, as he has shown consistent promise. 

“Barça did well by signing the Polish goalkeeper. I’m sure Flick will make the right decision, but I would like to give Inaki Pena confidence because he deserves it.”

Freixa believes Pena deserves more confidence from the management, but he remains assured that Flick will make the right decisions.

“I would like them to trust him a little more. He has been working well for some time,” he added.