De la Fuente fires back at Barcelona manager over Lamine Yamal’s call-up – ‘What is not acceptable is…’ | OneFootball

Spanish national team manager Luis de la Fuente has once again responded sharply to Barcelona coach Hansi Flick’s recent remarks regarding the international call-up of Lamine Yamal.

The young winger has become one of the brightest stars in Spanish football, both for club and country.

Despite his brilliance and finishing second in the Ballon d’Or rankings, concerns over his fitness have caused tension between Spain and Barcelona in recent weeks.

De la Fuente questions Flick’s reaction

De la Fuente did not hold back when asked about Flick’s criticism. While speakin on El Hormiguero, he said,

“I didn’t understand it, because he has also been a national team coach. In the end, everyone is judged by their actions.

“Sometimes I don’t understand the clubs’ position either. All players want to be in the national team,” he said, clearly referencing the friction between club and country.

The Spain coach went further, pointing out the demanding football calendar. “There is a schedule that tells you how many games you are going to be able to play.

“What is not acceptable is to complain in November and then when the year starts again to say that everything is fine.

“There are many games, and it’s demanding for the players,“ he added, making it clear that managing workloads is everyone’s responsibility, not just the national team’s.

Praise for Yamal’s maturity

Luis de la Fuente has praised Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Despite the controversy, De la Fuente could not hide his admiration for the young Barcelona star.

“Let’s appreciate the importance of what an 18-year-old boy who joined us at 16 is capable of doing,” he said, acknowledging Yamal’s remarkable development.

“In addition to his extraordinary talent, he trains, competes, withstands the pressure, the cameras following him 24 hours a day, and he doesn’t lose his cool and keeps his composure.

“That’s very difficult, so let’s value that aspect,” he continued, praising Yamal’s professionalism and maturity.

Personal life should be ignored

The coach also reflected on the pressure surrounding the teenager’s growing fame, particularly the media coverage of his personal life.

“It would have driven me crazy… I couldn’t have handled it, but these types of players can,” he admitted.

De la Fuente ended his remarks by stressing how grounded Yamal remains behind the spotlight.

“One thing is the image he can sell to the outside world. It’s very difficult not to be caught out when you’re being followed 24 hours a day,” he said.

“But in private, when we talk, he’s a very mature young man for his age. He listens, which is important, and I have nothing but words of gratitude.”

Yamal recently returned from a groin injury and played a crucial role in Barça’s late win over Girona, with important fixtures against Olympiacos and Real Madrid’s El Clasico looming ahead.