Real Madrid cult hero Guti has slammed Lamine Yamal for something he did during his press conference before the Nations League final. The teenage sensation was hoping to add a fourth piece of silverware to his season’s total, having already won - and played an instrumental role in - Barcelona’s unconventional treble of the Spanish Super Cup, Copa del Rey, and La Liga.
His 18 goals and 25 assists under Hansi Flick have made him one of the frontrunners for the Ballon d'Or, but he was unable to carry over his sensational form on Sunday night, as Nuno Mendes both scored and thwarted his efforts, helping Portugal on their way to a second Nations League title. Roberto Martinez’s side led twice before eventually having to rely on penalties to claim a deserved win over the European champions.
Since then, a lot has been made about Yamal. Cristiano Ronaldo has called for patience with the 17-year-old, insisting he will become the best of the next generation. But on the other hand, footage emerged of Yamal heading straight down the tunnel during the title celebrations without applauding his opponents. Now, Guti has zeroed in on another detail to criticise from the weekend's action.
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Guti Slams Lamine Yamal For Unprofessional Press Conference
The former Real Madrid midfielder wasn't happy with the way he dressed
Lamine Yamal
Credit: BeanymanSports
Of all the things Guti could have been riled up about regarding Barcelona’s wonderkid, his fashion sense was probably the last thing anyone expected. But the retired midfielder did just that on Spanish TV on Monday night, slamming Yamal for wearing his cap backwards during his pre-match interview. He said (watch the full rant below):
"This is a club issue and a national team issue. You can wear what you want in your life, but when you're wearing a club or national team shirt - call me old - I don't like these things.
"I don't know if this is the first time I've seen a guy with his cap on backwards. I don't like it at a press conference. It's not Lamine Yamal's fault, it's those around him that haven't taught him."
Guti is a regular pundit on El Chiringuito de Jugones, and this week's criticism aimed at Yamal isn’t the first time he’s slammed the teenager. Back in April, he compared the winger to Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe - not because of experience or talent, but because he believed Yamal is never consistent enough in the big games.
Indeed, he also acknowledged back then that Yamal was only in his second season as a professional footballer, but his words feel prophetic now after the youngster went quiet in the Nations League final. Guti said Yamal "is a TOP player," but was also clear that he is not "the best" right now, since "being the best is every matchday, and every matchday he is not."