Spain manager explains decision to omit Barcelona star, defends Lamine Yamal | OneFootball

Seven Barcelona players were called up for the Spanish national team today as La Roja brace themselves for the September international break.

While the likes of Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, Gavi and even Fermin were able to secure a place in the Spanish squad, there was one notable omission in Juan Garcia.

The former Espanyol star was poised to earn a maiden call-up to the national team in light of a brilliant 2024/25 campaign.

Luis de la Fuente on Joan Garcia omission

However, much to everyone’s surprise, coach Luis de la Fuente did not call up Garcia and instead opted for the goalkeeping trio of Unai Simon, David Raya and Alex Remiro.

Speaking to the media (h/t MARCA) after the official announcement, de la Fuente explained his decision to omit Garcia.

“If I’d felt pressure, I would have brought him in,” said the Spanish coach, who revealed that he won’t select players just because they play for a bigger club like Barcelona.

“We monitor all the goalkeepers, and Joan could be here now, before, or in the future. And not because he’s at Barça. I want to tell you that players from clubs don’t come here; this is the national team, regardless of the club they come from.

“Let’s not make assumptions about whether 6 or 7 come from one club… Let’s give this importance. Joan’s time will come, for sure,” he said.

Joan Garcia will have to wait for his Spain opportunity(Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“Surely Joan’s moment will come, as it will for other teammates,” the coach added.

De la Fuente on Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez

Luis de la Fuente was also asked about Lamine Yamal and his pre-season celebration, where he wore himself a crown after scoring a goal against FC Seoul.

“I disagree with you, it wasn’t a crown, but a wizard’s hat,” he said when asked about Yamal’s celebration, especially ahead of next month’s Ballon d’Or gala.

The Spanish coach went on to defend Yamal, claiming that people are focusing on the wrong things, as far as his coverage is concerned.

“With Lamine, the focus is on superficial matters, but what should be highlighted is that he works harder than anyone and takes care of himself more than anyone,” he said.

“He didn’t achieve what he has because of the parties that have been talked about. His work should be emphasised,” he added.

Finally, de la Fuente was asked about Fermin Lopez, who has been closely linked with a move to Chelsea in the final days of the transfer window.

In response, the Spain coach admitted that he prefers Spanish players playing in Spain, in what can be deciphered as a message to Fermin to stay at Barcelona.

“What would I say to him? It’s very personal; he has to weigh up a lot of things. In football, there’s supply and demand, with the economic factor, I think, being secondary. The sporting aspect comes first; I don’t know what he’s discussed with the club.

“From the outside, I can’t really give an opinion, but I’d like Spanish players to be in our league. I regret it when they go abroad because I think they’d make LaLiga more competitive here, which for me is the best in the world,” he concluded.