Barcelona president sends message to Spanish national team ahead of international break | OneFootball

We will brace ourselves for the final international break of the year once Barcelona complete their matchup against Celta Vigo on Sunday.

The big news heading into the international break is the selection of Lamine Yamal, who is back in the national team fold after recovering from his injury.

However, it must be remembered that Yamal’s injury woes earlier this season originated during the international break, so there is naturally tension brewing within the Barcelona camp surrounding his participation for La Roja.

Laporta’s message to Spanish national team

Speaking ahead of the Celta Vigo match this weekend, Joan Laporta was asked about Yamal’s return to the national team fold.

The Barcelona president admitted he is not surprised, considering Yamal is one of the best players in world football.

“I always see a call-up to the national team as recognition, and Lamine is the best in the world in his position,” he said (h/t MARCA).

However, Laporta slyly implied that the Spanish national team should manage Yamal well and not overburden him.

Yamal will play for Spain once again. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

“It’s normal that he’s been called up, but I’d like him to manage his playing time because, besides, Spain is practically already qualified; I think one point is enough. But I don’t want to influence the coach or get into any controversies,” he said.

The Barcelona president then went on to highlight Yamal’s qualities and why he is such a big player for the Spanish national team.

He also talked about Yamal’s frustration at not being able to secure his team a win against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League this midweek, despite emerging as one of Barcelona’s best performers on the night.

“I understand why he’s been called up; it’s recognition. I see Lamine as having a superlative quality. The fantastic match he played in Bruges… he’s angry because we didn’t win.

“He carried the team on his shoulders and played a superb game. It’s a pleasure and a joy to see him at this level,” he concluded.

Spain are slated to take on Georgia and Turkiye in this international break, but having already put one foot on qualification, it won’t be surprising to see Yamal getting limited action.