Rodri has revealed that Barcelona’s players have been working to lift Lamine Yamal after a difficult period, with the Spanish midfielder praising the teenager’s encouraging performance against Athletic Bilbao.

Rodri reveals Barcelona players have been trying to lift Lamine Yamal after difficult spell

Rodri has revealed that Barcelona’s players have been trying to lift Lamine Yamal’s spirits after the teenage star experienced a difficult period at the start of the season.

The former Manchester City midfielder spoke about Yamal following Barcelona’s 2-0 La Liga victory over Athletic Bilbao.

Although Yamal did not score, he produced one of his most dangerous performances of the season and came close to finding the net on several occasions.

Rodri reveals Barcelona have been supporting Yamal

Speaking after the match, Rodri offered an insight into how Barcelona’s dressing room has been helping the 19-year-old.

The midfielder explained that Yamal had recently been going through a difficult moment and that his teammates had been trying to help improve his mood.

“We tried to lift Lamine,” Rodri said while discussing the youngster’s situation.

He then praised Yamal’s response against Athletic, suggesting Barcelona had once again seen a much more positive version of their young superstar.

Yamal had been going through a difficult spell

Yamal’s body language had attracted attention during Barcelona’s opening matches of the season.

The winger appeared frustrated at times and was visibly disappointed when substituted during the opening La Liga victory over Elche.

That led to some discussion in Spain about whether the teenager was struggling to rediscover his rhythm following a demanding summer.

Rodri’s comments suggest Barcelona’s senior players were aware of Yamal’s frustration and had made an effort to support him behind the scenes.

Rodri praises Yamal’s response against Athletic

Despite failing to score against Athletic Bilbao, Yamal was heavily involved in Barcelona’s attacking play.

He forced goalkeeper Unai Simón into an important save during the first half before creating further problems for the Athletic defence.

Early in the second half, Yamal came extremely close to scoring when a powerful effort from outside the penalty area struck the crossbar.

The performance offered encouraging signs that the winger is beginning to rediscover his confidence and attacking sharpness.

Rodri confident the goals will come

Rodri was not concerned by Yamal’s failure to get on the scoresheet.

The midfielder insisted that the teenager’s quality is unquestionable and suggested the goals will naturally return if he continues performing at that level.

Yamal remains one of Barcelona’s most important attacking players despite his young age.

For Rodri, the priority is ensuring Yamal continues working consistently and maintains the intensity required throughout the season.

Barcelona beat Athletic without a Yamal goal

Barcelona eventually secured a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Raphinha and Fermín López.

Yamal may not have appeared on the scoresheet, but his movement, dribbling and shooting repeatedly stretched Athletic’s defence.

His performance was significantly more threatening than some of his earlier displays this season.

That made Rodri’s post-match comments particularly significant, with the midfielder suggesting the teenager is responding positively to the support around him.

Rodri already showing leadership at Barcelona

The comments also highlighted Rodri’s growing influence inside the Barcelona dressing room.

Despite only recently arriving from Manchester City, the Spain international is already beginning to assume an important leadership role.

Barcelona viewed his experience and personality as major reasons for bringing him to the club.

His willingness to speak openly about supporting younger teammates suggests that influence is already being felt.

Using the word “we” when discussing efforts to lift Yamal also indicated that the support has come from the wider Barcelona squad rather than Rodri alone.

Rodri makes Barcelona debut

The Athletic match was also a memorable occasion for Rodri personally.

He came off the bench during the second half to make his first official appearance for Barcelona following his move from Manchester City.

The midfielder received a warm reception from the home supporters and admitted afterwards that he was delighted to finally make his competitive debut.

Rodri also acknowledged that he still needs time to reach full match fitness after a demanding summer and limited preparation with his new teammates.

Barcelona hoping Yamal can regain his best form

Yamal remains central to Barcelona’s ambitions this season.

His ability to create chances, beat defenders and produce decisive moments gives Hansi Flick a weapon few teams in Europe can match.

However, Barcelona also understand the importance of protecting a young player who has already experienced enormous pressure at club and international level.

The support revealed by Rodri shows that the dressing room is attempting to help Yamal manage those demands rather than leaving him to deal with them alone.

Encouraging signs after difficult start

The victory over Athletic may therefore prove important for more than just Barcelona’s position in La Liga.

Yamal looked sharper, more aggressive and more involved, while Rodri’s comments provided a glimpse into the work taking place behind the scenes.

There is no suggestion of a disciplinary issue or serious problem involving the youngster.

Instead, the situation appears to be about helping one of football’s brightest talents regain confidence after a frustrating spell.

For now, the key message from Rodri is clear. Barcelona’s players have been trying to lift Lamine Yamal, and his performance against Athletic Bilbao suggests their support may already be producing results.