Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has been in the spotlight for his use of Barcelona star Lamine Yamal this year but insists he has a “clear conscience.”
The issue first exploded when Spain gave Yamal painkillers so he could play against Turkey and Bulgaria in World Cup qualifying.
Hansi Flick has accused De la Fuente of not looking after his players properly, while matters really came to a head after Yamal was called up by Spain in November and then dropped out after it was confirmed he had undergone treatment
for his pubalgia issues.
De la Fuente has now been asked about the situation with Yamal and insists he has always looked after his players correctly.
“I understand the role we each have, and that we’re going to defend what’s ours. I understand his position, just as he surely understands mine, because he was also the coach of his country, Germany,” he told AS.
“I’m focused on my responsibility, which is being the coach of Spain, and that means bringing in the best players to represent our country. This reflection alone justifies any of our decisions.
And I want to emphasize that we take care of the players’ health, that it’s a priority, and that we can prove it. Because when we’ve had the slightest doubt about Lamine, or anyone else, he hasn’t played and has returned to his club. I have a clear conscience.”
Spain’s next fixture will be La Finalissima in March, a match in which Yamal is set to come up against Lionel Messi.
