Luis de la Fuente has claimed he didn’t understand why Hansi Flick complained about Spain’s treatment of Lamine Yamal on international duty.
Flick complained that Spain hadn’t been looking after their players
properly after seeing Yamal return with a problem and then miss games for Barcelona.
De la Fuente says he was baffled by Flick’s comments and also doesn’t appreciate being criticised by clubs when players pick up injuries on international duty.
“I didn’t understand him because, among other things, he’s also been a national team coach. I didn’t understand it,” he told El Hormiguero.
“Sometimes I don’t understand the clubs’ position either… it’s unfair to accuse the players, when all the players, all of them, are the ones who want to be in the national team.”
Yet the Spain boss did have some more kind words for Yamal, praising his professionalism and his attitude.
“You tell me, Lamine Yamal is a rascal and he’s not, he’s a very good kid. A very hard worker,” he added.
“Let’s value what an 18-year-old kid does, who debuted with us at 16, who trains, competes, withstands pressure, trains… let’s value all of this. Because maybe there are people who can’t handle it, but Lamine can. It’s very important and his attitude is worth appreciating.
“It’s one thing to sell that image abroad when you’re being hounded 24 hours a day. He’s a very humble footballer who listens, and that’s very important. Him and all his teammates.”
