Lamine Yamal talks title race, treble prospects, refereeing controversies and Barcelona future | OneFootball

Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal recently sat down with Mundo Deportivo for an exclusive interview, where the forward talked about Barcelona’s current standing at the top of La Liga, the team’s recovery from earlier setbacks, and his personal journey with the club

Yamal’s confidence in Barcelona’s abilities was unmistakable. When asked if Barça are the favourite to win the league after taking the lead, he was confident in the team’s performance.

“Since the beginning of the season, I have always said that you have to have confidence in yourself. I think that in the end being the favourite doesn’t give you anything.

“I think you have to think that we are the best and that we are the ones who play the best, and I think that we are. We are the ones who play the best and we will go to win the League,” he began saying.

Barcelona’s adrenaline

Lamine Yamal is confident of keeping the lead. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Yamal also reflected on what drove Barcelona to return to the top, especially after a poor end to 2024. The club, at one point, were seven points off the top of the league standings.

“In the end, the victories that give you the League are the ones with a 1-0 win, like the one against Rayo, and that, trying to add points because we lost a lot of points a couple of days ago and that was what it was about, adding points and making those who were above lost,” he said.

Yamal, though, is not losing sleep over Barcelona’s current form and acknowledged that there is a long way to go before Barcelona can secure any titles.

“Well, I think that a season is very long. Especially when you get such a big lead, you see that there are still many games left and maybe you’ll get that little slump that all teams have.

“We’re watching Atletico Madrid now. They started off very well and now we’re doing the same with them.

“In the end, it’s about getting back on your feet. If you lose four games but then win ten in a row, you’ll always be at the top. And that’s what we’re trying to do now,” he added.

Barcelona’s chances across tournaments

Lamine Yamal gave his honest opinion on title chances. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Discussing Barcelona’s prospects across different tournaments, Yamal expressed an equal desire to succeed in all.

“I have always said that the Super Cup is the quickest. Then comes the Copa del Rey and between the League and the Champions League, well, if it can be both, both. I have no preference. Both,” he said.

On the possibility of a trophy sweep, he added, “It depends on us. There is only one team in the Champions League that is more favoured than us, and that is Liverpool because they finished first.

“In the League, we are first at the moment. So, it all depends on us. It’s win, win and when you are winning you go through to the next round and it becomes easier and easier,” he added.

Talking about the atmosphere and belief within the team, the forward stated, “In the end you have the hope, but that happens every year. Last year I think everyone was excited about the Champions League.

“This year again, but you don’t talk specifically about whether we can win this or that, but you can see that everyone wants to win, that they are excited. I think this year could be the year.”

Yamal on refereeing controversies

Lamine Yamal also talked about the referees. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Yamal went on to address the hot topic of refereeing decisions, particularly around the penalty against Rayo Vallecano.

“The thing is that I think that lately almost everything is being questioned. There are things that are clear and there is no doubt about them.

“And “I think that in the end, the job of a referee is very difficult. But for me the penalty is very clear,” he said.

Yamal, though, dismissed any notion of referee bias towards Barcelona, “When we were six points behind, I remember the penalty on Jules at Getafe, which they didn’t call, and then yesterday they did call that penalty on Inigo. So, I don’t know.

“In the Copa del Rey, the referees first favoured Madrid, and then against Osasuna, they say they were against them.

“It’s going to be like that every matchday. I don’t think we can complain, Madrid, Barça and Atletico.”

“I think the referees try to do their best. There isn’t as much talk about games like the one against Alaves and Leganes, and there are probably more controversial actions. But the referees try to do their best,” he added.

On Real Madrid’s open war against referees

Lamine Yamal shared his thoughts on Real Madrid’s stand. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

On Real Madrid’s recent critique of the refereeing system, Yamal was clear about the focus within Barcelona’s camp.

“The truth is that we don’t talk about it. We’re in a good moment, we’re thinking about ourselves, that we have to keep winning.

“I think that when the team is doing well, they don’t listen to anything from outside. They’re only focused on winning and continuing to play,” he said.

Yamal on his future at Barcelona

Lastly, Yamal spoke about his future with the club, quelling any doubts about his loyalty.

“I don’t think anyone doubts what I’m like as a Barça player, what I love for this club. I’ve said it since I made my debut and I think it will be resolved in the end. If both parties want something to happen, it will happen,” he said.

Lamine Yamal wants to stay at Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

He also shared what he values most about Barcelona, “In the end, everything is a part of the whole: the club, the fans, the dressing room, the team.

“Everything is perfect here in Barcelona and the truth is that I have been very happy since I started in the first team.“

Regarding his contract, which was renewed at 16 and set to extend until 2030 upon turning 18, Yamal was non-committal for now.

“Honestly, I’m not getting into that. There’s still a long way to go before we get through this season first. In the end, in July, when the next year starts, it will be resolved and everyone will see it.

“Right now I’m focused, as we’ve said, on La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, which is the most important thing,” he concluded.