Spain manager talks Lamine call-up, Hansi Flick comments – ‘There is no conflict’ | OneFootball

Spanish national team coach Luis de la Fuente has firmly denied that there is any conflict between him and Barcelona manager Hansi Flick.

The issue arose around the management of Lamine Yamal’s playing time during the last international break, when the youngster returned injured.

Flick was outspoken in his criticism, accusing Spain of not taking proper care of their players. Those comments did not sit well with de la Fuente, who has now addressed them directly.

When asked about Flick’s words and Yamal’s earlier call-up, de la Fuente replied, “I was in my homeland enjoying an award; it wasn’t the right time.

“There’s no conflict with Flick. I was just surprised by his statements because he had been a coach, and I assumed he had empathy, but there’s no problem.”

Pressed further on the issue of Yamal’s fitness, he added, “Again, I’ll say that he’s been a coach and knows how things work.

“That’s what surprised me, that a former coach would say that, but that’s all. Seriously, do you know we have two very important games coming up?

“The Flick thing is in the background. I want to focus on what’s important. Everyone said something, and it’s not a big deal.”

On Yamal’s fitness

The topic of whether Yamal was played through pain also came up. De la Fuente defended his decisions by saying,

“I always tell the truth. Have you ever played football? Have you ever played without discomfort? It’s normal, but he didn’t have any discomfort before or after the game.

De la Fuente addressed Lamine Yamal’s situation. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

“I’ve never played or trained without discomfort. Which means nothing happened. Did he have discomfort after the game? Well, that’s it.”

When asked about mistakes in managing the injury, he said, “No mistakes and zero risk. If they come here, it’s because they’re fit enough to play, and that’s it.”

Barcelona’s concern and Ballon d’Or

When asked whether he plans to talk to Lamine, he added, “That’s not unusual, it’s normal. If a club informs us that a player has a problem, he goes home without any issues.

“But I insist: he played 90 minutes against PSG and we’ll see how Sevilla do first and then we’ll assess the situation.”

De la Fuente also touched on the Ballon d’Or, saying, “I wanted a Spanish player to win. We’ve deserved it in the past: Xavi, Iniesta, Raul.

“I would have given it to a Spaniard and I’m sure they’ll win it, but Dembele also deserved it.”

Lastly, while addressing Barça fans’ concerns, he concluded, “President Laporta himself has said that he is delighted that Barça players are coming because it means that things are being done right. And if they come, their value goes up.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo