Spain manager talks Lamine, Pedri, Cubarsi, Olmo, Inigo, Ferran – ‘Had a slight knock…’ | OneFootball

Speaking ahead of Spain’s UEFA Nations League quarter-final encounter against the Netherlands, La Roja manager Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that Barcelona ace Ferran Torres will be unavailable due to a knock.

The 25-year-old attacker did not train with the rest of the Spain squad today but it was said that the absence was only as a precaution.

However, De la Fuente has now confirmed that the Barcelona forward is dealing with a slight knock and will not be risked in Rotterdam.

The La Roja head coach did, however, confirm that Ferran will be fit for the second leg in Valencia on Sunday.

“Ferran had a slight knock and, as I said before, we always look after the player’s health. So we decided that he shouldn’t train and he probably won’t be able to play tomorrow, but he will be in Valencia next Sunday,” said the Spain boss.

On Lamine Yamal

De la Fuente then spoke about how Spain are helping Lamine Yamal prepare while he observes his fast for Ramadan, stating:

“We are taking Lamine Yamal’s Ramadan as normal. The medical services will tell him when he has to drink and of course, we respect everyone’s beliefs.

“I have never experienced any situation like this with a teammate or player that I train, but there is no problem.”

Lamine will be key for Spain vs Holland, but Ferran is out. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Addressing a question about whether the 17-year-old wonderkid is being over-played and has too much workload, the Spain boss replied:

“It’s just that the good ones always play. What we do is that until the match we do recovery of the player. We don’t wear the players down so that they arrive at the competition in the best possible shape.

“Here there are a lot of demands, we all want to win and we have to put the players we consider the best.”

Regarding comparisons between Lamine and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, De la Fuente noted:

“‘Messi is a football legend but Lamine has the conditions to be a great footballer and there are very few like him and it is fortunate to be able to count on him.

“Lamine is 17 years old, he is in the process of training and he will go through difficult moments and we will have to help him and not criticise him.

“Then let’s help him to become the footballer he is going to be and we will enjoy a legendary footballer, God willing, and one who will mark an era.”

On Pedri, Cubarsi, and Inigo

De la Fuente was full of praise for Barcelona midfielder Pedri as well, stating that the 22-year-old was in the best moment of his career.

“Pedri is a player who is very dear to everyone. Right now he is probably in the best moment of his career. That is the result of his talent and his attitude. For us, he is very important because he is very versatile,” he said.

De la Fuente will likely have to choose between Olmo and Pedri. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Talking about how he will choose between Pedri and Dani Olmo in the starting lineup, De la Fuente added:

“Pedri and Olmo are totally different. Pedri can play in deeper positions and Olmo can play in any attacking position. Pedri is more about control and the initial phase of the game and Dani is more about the final phase, they are very complementary.”

De la Fuente then defended Inigo Martinez, following his withdrawal from the squad due to injury, amid reports that the veteran Barcelona ace was not keen on returning to the national team.

“I spoke to Inigo when I had to speak, but of course, I saw the medical report, like Casado’s, but nothing has been said about that one. We always think about the health of the player and I think it’s appropriate that he doesn’t come,” said the manager.

The Spain head coach was also full of praise for Barcelona youngster Pau Cubarsi, saying:

“These young footballers like Cubarsi are very special players. Pau is one of those players and he has shown that he is ready for it. He looks like a veteran and has played many games for Barcelona.

“He has a lot of improving and maturing to do but he is perfectly ready to compete at club level and here. Just like his teammates, we can enjoy them because they will be competing with the national team for many years to come.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo