Lamine Yamal’s frustration explained

Twenty four hours after Atlético Madrid vs FC Barcelona in LaLiga at the Metropolitano, where the Catalan side delivered a major statement in the title race, Mundo Deportivo reported that Lamine Yamal’s apparent frustration, seen when he left the pitch without celebrating Robert Lewandowski’s winning goal, was linked to the amount of instructions he received from José Ramón de la Fuente, the goalkeeping coach who also contributes to set piece strategy.

On Monday, footage released by DAZN confirmed that the outlet was on the right track and reinforced that the Barça number 10’s irritation was directed at De la Fuente. 

According to the edited clips shared by the broadcaster, Lamine grew increasingly frustrated during the second half after the team’s set piece coach criticized him from the sideline for taking a shot when a passing option was available. 

Some teammates, including Ferran Torres and Lewandowski, also showed similar reactions in earlier moments, although in one previous play Lewandowski acknowledged Lamine’s decision making with a gesture of appreciation after a pass attempt.

Earlier in the match, the young winger had created several chances for his teammates without seeing them converted into goals.

As the clock ticked down, around the 85th minute with the score level at 1 to 1, Lamine chose to shoot rather than pass. At that point, De la Fuente again made a gesture toward him from the sideline.

That sequence helps explain why Lamine Yamal did not celebrate Lewandowski’s decisive goal, left the field visibly upset, and, when Hansi Flick attempted to greet him, responded by gesturing behind him toward De la Fuente, who was following the player into the tunnel toward the locker room.