Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said it was easier to substitute Lamine Yamal after the youngster scored twice in their 6-1 La Liga win against Alaves on Saturday.
Raphinha and Yamal scored a brace for the Catalan club, while Fermín López and Anthony Gordon also found the back of the net as Barcelona returned to winning ways after consecutive defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Yamal has started all 18 matches for Barcelona and Spain this season. However, Flick substituted the 19-year-old in the 74th minute to manage his workload ahead of important upcoming fixtures.
“When you score two goals, it’s easier to go out,” Flick said after substituting Yamal for just the fourth time this season.
“I spoke with him at half time [about managing his minutes]. For us, that he has the confidence back with the one vs. one situations, more time and minutes in the second half [is good], but it also important he has less minutes.”
The German coach also praised Raphina and Fermín López for playing a key role in the comprehensive win.
“For Lamine it was a great game, but it was good to see the level of the attack: Fermín, Rapha,” Flick added.
“This is what I want to see after these two defeats. How we react, it was good and in the right way.”
Flick also praised the second-choice defensive line as Frenkie de Jong played at centre-back and youngster Brian Fariñas, also a midfielder, made his full debut as a right-back.
“At the moment we have to think different,” Flick said. “Four defenders are out in Xavi Espart, Andreas [Christensen], Jules [Koundé] and Eric Garcìa.
“Hopefully some will come back, but we don’t know when yet. So I asked Frenkie if he’s able to play there; he said ‘Yes, when I can help the team I will do it.’
“The same with Brian. I don’t know if he ever played [at right-back], maybe in La Masia, but he also played a good level.
“I am happy for him. He deserved these minutes, this game. He is focused, top in training, very professional. This is what we want from him and the players.”
Barcelona will next take on Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
