MADRID, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick gave a message to Lamine Yamal that he needs more than just talent to be considered one of the all-time greats of the game.
Speaking ahead of his side's Champions League tie at home to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night, Flick was asked about the 18-year-old, who will return to the side after struggling with a groin injury in recent weeks.
During that time, Yamal finished second behind PSG's former Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele in the Ballon d'Or awards, while his private life has become more prominent in the non-sporting press.
Flick admitted Yamal is an "exceptional" talent, but insisted "I don't like this whole 'super, super' thing."
"He's exceptional, but there are other exceptional players on the team," said the Barca coach.
"He's 18 years old, and he also has to focus on making the effort. To get to the next level, one or two steps higher, you have to make the effort; talent alone isn't enough," he advised, giving the youngster something to work on.
"It's not just about playing with the ball, you also have to defend. That is something that every player needs to do - not just him."
"He is a great player with the ball and that is what makes a different," commented Flick. ■
