Spain manager talks Flick, Lamine, Balde, Joan Garcia, Eric, Messi: ‘Should never retire’ | OneFootball

In recent months, there has been some tension built up between FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, with the club not being entirely happy with how manager Luis de la Fuente handled Lamine Yamal’s physical issue during an international break.

Now, in a recent interview with AS, the Spain head coach opened up on the matter, discussing the differences with Hansi Flick as well as the importance of Lamine in the national team setup ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On Flick and Lamine

“I understand the role we each have, and that we’re going to defend what’s ours. I understand his position, just as he surely understands mine, because he was also the coach of his country, Germany,” said Flick.

Continuing, he added: “I’m focused on my responsibility, which is being the coach of Spain, and that means bringing in the best players to represent our country. This reflection alone justifies any of our decisions.

“And I want to emphasise that we take care of the players’ health, that it’s a priority, and that we can prove it. Because when we’ve had the slightest doubt about Lamine, or anyone else, he hasn’t played and has returned to his club. I have a clear conscience.”

Regarding Lamine, as well as his close friend Nico Williams’ fitness, and whether they can arrive at the World Cup at their best amid issues with pubalgia, he remarked:

“Most players will want to be in top form for that tournament, without diminishing the importance of their club commitments, of course.

“I’m sure all footballers will want to be at their best for the World Cup, and these players seem to be back to the level they were at before their injuries.”

Flick was upset with De la Fuente over Lamine’s handling. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Regarding Lamine choosing to represent the Spanish national team over Morocco, De la Fuente said:

“Lamine chose Spain, and for us, it was a great decision. We have to respect that, just as we shouldn’t make a big deal out of those who choose to play for another country. But he chose to play for Spain because he feels Spanish, and that’s the best news for us.”

On Balde, Joan Garcia’s chances

Meanwhile, De la Fuente was also asked about the chances of Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde making it to the World Cup, considering that he has always preferred Marc Cucurella and Alejandro Grimaldo as his options in the position.

“Our decisions are ours, and I bring in those I believe are the best. Balde has already been with me, and Carreras hasn’t yet, but he’s played for the youth national teams,” said the Spain boss.

“Both are on our preliminary list and are doing very well, but as long as I believe there are others who are performing well, they’ll continue to be called up.”

Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia also finds himself in a similar situation, not getting a call-up by the national team coach despite exceptional performances. But De la Fuente continued to defend his position, saying:

“There are requests for every position… We have five or six of the best goalkeepers in the world. Nobody talks about Robert Sanchez or Leo Roman. We have some very good goalkeepers, some of the best in the world… and of course, Joan Garcia too.”

Joan Garcia is waiting for his chance with Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

“Right now, we’re focusing on Unai [Simon], [David] Raya, and [Alex] Remiro, but we’ll see what happens between now and June. At that point, we’ll make decisions that some may like more than others, but I’m sure they’ll be the best ones for me,” he added.

De la Fuente also acknowledged Eric Garcia’s form and versatility, naming him as one of the options for a call-up in the right-back position amid concerns over Dani Carvajal’s fitness.

“There are other very good players too, like Alex Jimenez, Ivan Fresneda, Eric Garcia, who is playing very well for Barça and can play in several positions… But we’ll see what happens,” he noted.

On Lionel Messi

The Spain manager also spoke about former Barcelona captain and club legend Lionel Messi as La Roja face his Argentina side in March in the Finalissima 2026.

“Messi is one of those players who should never retire. Just like Cristiano Ronaldo. They’re fantastic,” said De la Fuente.

“Whatever Messi’s form is in the Finalissima or the World Cup, he’s one of those players who can make the difference with a single detail. Therefore, total respect and admiration for Leo’s career and for what he still has ahead of him.”