Manager of Spain Luis de la Fuente he once again defended his use of players for the national team, pointing the finger at the club schedule rather than the international one for the number of injuries.
De la Fuente has faced no shortage of backlash for his handling of some players' workloads in recent months, and after Lamine Yamal went off injured against Denmark, that blow has been strong again. Barcelona confirmed today an injury, although he is expected to be fit for their match on Sunday.
Lamine Yamal is expected to recover in a few days. It's not serious. @Fabrizio Romano
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) October 14, 2024
“I'm going to tell the truth. Lamine had discomfort at the end of the game. I asked him if he was going to be one hundred percent on Tuesday and there are doubts. Taking this into account, it's better to rest. We did with The others are no exception.”
He faced a number of questions about Lamine Yamal, and said that he had not been in contact with anyone from Barcelona regarding his use. He also said that the commitment of the 17-year-old was complete, and that all the players he had were desperate to play.
“Those who have to defend Lamine are the referees, apply the rules. And the opponent will use all the weapons to try to stop players like Lamine or other greats of history. Have you played football? Have you been kicked out? Will you hold me responsible for kicking Lamine?
De la Fuente continued to defend his position that it is not his responsibility to rest players.
“What I think is the biggest pity is that there are people who get involved with these comments. I have already said that the matches of the national team are one a month for the player. Last year we played 17 international matches , because we were lucky, and I think that every Spaniard was happy, to get to the final of the Euro. But this year we will play 27 games. Let's stop going in circles one meeting a month with the National on average, let's stop making things difficult, the problem is not ours, (I hope) they will fix it and not pass the ball to us.
La Roja face Serbia on Tuesday night in Cordoba at 20:45 CEST, and de la Fuente has confirmed that if Spain qualify, they will go all out for top spot in their Nations League group instead to experience or rest. He also revealed that he liked Alex Baena the most in the center, although he was also outstanding outside. Despite the absence of Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Rodri Hernandez and Dani Carvajal, de la Fuente said he will pursue the same style of football.
