‘Not going through a good time’ – Spain NT manager explains Real Madrid captain’s absence from World Cup squad | OneFootball

Dani Carvajal did not make it to Spain’s preliminary squad for the FIFA World Cup released last week, confirming that he will not be at the elite tournament next month.

The manager, Luis de la Fuente, did not see him as fit enough or prepared for a tournament of that intensity, especially given his recent injury troubles and struggle for playing time.

After all, Alvaro Arbeloa had a strained relationship with the veteran, which led to a steep decline in Carvajal’s importance in the team. Despite being fit and training well, he was not handed many minutes to make a case for himself.

NT manager speaks

Spain NT manager Luis de la Fuente spoke to AS and explained his decision to leave the Real Madrid captain out of his preliminary squad for the FIFA World Cup.

“Dani Carvajal is very loved by everyone, and especially by me because he is a great leader,” he began.

Carvajal will leave Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“He has been an example to follow. He is not going through a good time right now,” he added.

Speaking on how his lack of playing time was a serious concern ahead of a tournament as big as the World Cup, the manager said,

“I wish he could get more playing minutes, and that he could play to prove his footballing level and his potential.”

He then spoke on how he didn’t see himself as obligated to call up any player and how he made his decisions purely on merit.

Luis de la Fuente did not pick Carvajal for the World Cup. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

“I always say that I won’t die because of ‘courtesies and obligations,’ and the players know that about me. I’ve been like this for ten or twelve years.”

A difficult period for Carvajal

If his injuries were not a big enough blow for Carvajal, his exclusion from the World Cup was a shocker and definitely not an easy pill for the veteran defender to swallow.

In addition, Real Madrid opted against renewing his contract and officially announced his departure as well, all of which put the player in a very difficult situation on a professional and personal level.

It remains to be seen what step Carvajal will take next in his career, but what is certain despite all the events in recent weeks is that he leaves behind a special legacy – not only for Real Madrid but also for Spain.