RFEF director moves to ease tension between Barcelona and Spain over Lamine Yamal – ‘Done for the boy’s benefit’ | OneFootball

Following speculation about a possible rift between Barcelona and the Spanish national team, the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s sporting director, Aitor Karanka, has spoken publicly in an effort to calm the situation. 

The tension emerged after Lamine Yamal was withdrawn from Spain’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with reports suggesting frustration within the Federation and at the club level over how the situation was handled.

Karanka, however, has moved to clarify the matter, insisting that the decision was based purely on medical advice and mutual understanding between both parties. 

Addressing the issue, he firmly rejected claims of any internal conflict. “Unrest? That’s no longer my concern. It’s a matter for the doctors,” Karanka said as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

What about the transparency?

He went on to emphasise the transparency between the Federation and Barcelona, particularly through open dialogue with sporting director Deco. 

“I have always said, even yesterday, that communication with all the clubs has been fantastic. 

“I was in contact with Deco until this morning, when the decision was made. And it was done for the boy’s benefit, so that he could recover as soon as possible. 

“The better he is at his club, the better he will be in the national team.”

Lamine Yamal will not play in the World Cup qualifiers. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Karanka also revealed that national team coach Luis de la Fuente had personally spoken to Yamal before the final decision was made. 

“The coach was with him last night and this morning, before he was withdrawn,” he explained.

Praising his form

Despite the disappointment of not being able to call on Yamal, Karanka admitted there was great enthusiasm about his progress in recent weeks. 

“We were happy because Lamine was getting back to his best; he had a great game against Bruges and scored in Vigo the other day. 

“We were looking forward to seeing him again, but he has these niggles and what we want, both the national team and Barça, is for him to be the player who dazzled us recently.”

When asked about Hansi Flick’s recent remarks urging caution with his players’ workload, Karanka opted for a diplomatic tone. 

“That’s in the past. Today’s decision is an example of how the national team cares not only for Lamine but for all players. 

“When there is a medical report indicating that there may be a risk of injury, the player is sent back to his club,” he concluded.