On El Chiringuito, they've been rubbing it in Lamine Yamal's face for weeks that he doesn't score goals. Josep Pedrerol has insisted on portraying an image of Lamine getting upset and not accepting criticism.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Lamine isn't affected by criticism, but he is bothered by malicious campaigns like those of El Chiringuito, digging for dirt to throw in his face.
In the midst of that usual script on El Chiringuito, which no longer surprises anyone, Guti has appeared. He has exposed the authors of Pedrerol's catechism.
This is how Guti expressed himself last night about Lamine Yamal on El Chiringuito: “His challenge when he takes the field isn't to score a goal. His challenge is to have fun and do things the way he does and be a protagonist…
If I were in his place, I would also be bothered that in every question they tell me that I don't score goals. He scores the winning goal against Atlético, and after scoring, they keep asking him that...”
Josep Pedrerol Backtracks with Lamine Yamal
Josep Pedrerol looked at him surprised. In fact, it was El Chiringuito itself that took it upon itself to remind its audience day after day of the matches Lamine Yamal went without scoring a goal. Although now he looks the other way.
Pedrerol had said: “We have Lamine Yamal upset or annoyed by some comments. I haven't heard any criticism of Lamine Yamal. Because he doesn't deserve it, because he plays soccer very well, because he's only 17 years old and has a very well-furnished head...
But I understand that there are people who might incite him to think otherwise. “Watch out, they say this, they say that...”
Noooo, Lamine, you don't need to prove yourself, it's not necessary. People pay to see players like you.
And whether you score goals or not, it's a statistic. You're essential in the national team and in Barça. And you have a spectacular future....
“You Don't Need to Prove Yourself”
It's not good to compare yourself to anyone, nor is it necessary. Above all, don't constantly prove yourself, it's not necessary...
With your game, you already prove yourself. Smile, it's time to enjoy.”
He had started the program with this introduction: “Lamine Yamal, whether you score or not... Don't worry, don't get upset, it's time to have fun.”
Pedrerol is very interested in making peace with Lamine Yamal. Although he hasn't complained anywhere about any criticism, he does observe with astonishment the strategy of El Chiringuito.
He's only 17 years old and has been shocked to discover how the media circus they have set up in Madrid works. Always the same: thumbs up for the whites, thumbs down for the blaugranas. If Barça complains, it's victimhood; if Madrid complains, it's justice.
He hasn't been an exception and has entered this vicious cycle. Weeks and weeks reminding him of the days he went without scoring. Now Pedrerol backtracks as if the campaign against Lamine was someone else's doing.
The Statistic Pedrerol Doesn't Like
They ask Lamine Yamal in As: “How do you handle being told the days you go without scoring a goal?”
Answer: “The truth is, I'm not very concerned about them talking about those things. The important thing is to play well, win, and enjoy...
When all that happens, the rest matters very little. I prefer they count the days it takes me to score a goal than to say I'm playing poorly.”
Lesson from Lamine Yamal to the advice-giver Josep Pedrerol. Lamine Yamal isn't upset because his game doesn't allow it: 30 goals/assists in 38 matches. Vinícius 29 goals/assists in 39 matches.
That's why Lamine Yamal isn't upset. That's why Josep Pedrerol is uneasy. That's not the statistic he likes.