Barcelona hero Lamine Yamal explains 'key' difference between Hansi Flick & Xavi as La Liga leaders maintain perfect start with rout of Girona

Barcelona made it five wins in a row in La Liga on Sunday as they thrashed Girona 4-1 courtesy of a brace from Lamine Yamal and a goal each from Dani Olmo and Pedri. Yamal, who had a terrific outing with Spain at Euro 2024, continues to dazzle for the Catalan giants as he now has three goals and four assists to his name in the new season.

After starring for the Blaugrana, the 17-year-old spoke about the key difference in Hansi Flick and former coach Xavi's tactics and how the German's approach has transformed the team. Yamal rose to prominence under Xavi's tutelage last season and went on to appear in 50 matches across all competitions, where he scored seven goals and provided nine assists.

Speaking to Barca One after the game, the attacker said: "Coming back from the national team is always difficult, but today we were very good. We're already thinking about the next match. The key has been to be direct. When we recover we only think about scoring."

Flick's men have scored 17 goals in their first five league games which is Barca's best start since the 2017-18 season when Lionel Messi and Co. scored the same number of goals. Before the Messi era, the club had achieved the feat only once back in the 1959-60 campaign.

The Catalan side will be back in action this week as they kick off their Champions League 2024-25 journey against AS Monaco on Thursday night.