De la Fuente Addresses Controversy Over Yamal’s Usage Amid Club and National Team Tensions

De la Fuente’s persistent utilization of Lamine Yamal has elicited a strong reaction from Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, earlier in the season. Ahead of Barcelona’s match against Valencia in mid-September, the German coach remarked, “Lamine Yamal will not be available. He participated with the national team despite being in pain and did not train.

“They administered painkillers for him to play. He featured for 73 and 79 minutes in matches where they had at least a three-goal advantage, yet he was unable to train in between games. This is not a proper approach to player care. I feel very saddened by this situation.”

The La Roja manager expressed surprise over Flick’s comments, stating, “I was taken aback by those remarks, especially as he is a national team coach and I expected him to possess that level of empathy.”

In an attempt to shift focus away from the escalating club-versus-country controversy, De la Fuente asserted, “We are competing for the World Cup, and that is what truly matters. Everything else is secondary.”

As the new year approaches, De la Fuente has reflected on the ongoing conflict, stating, “I recognize the role each of us plays, and we will defend our respective positions. I understand Flick’s perspective, as he has also coached his national team, Germany.

“My focus is on my responsibilities as Spain’s coach, which means ensuring that we field the best team to represent our country. This alone justifies our choices. I want to emphasize that we prioritize players’ health, and we can substantiate that claim. Whenever there has been any doubt regarding Lamine or any other player, they have not played and have returned to their clubs. I have a clear conscience.”

Spain advanced to the 2026 World Cup qualification unbeaten, and De la Fuente plans to use the March international break to evaluate his squad before finalizing selections for the tournament. Despite Flick’s criticisms regarding Yamal’s use, the Barcelona manager has requested that De la Fuente call up left-back Alejandro Balde.

Similarly, Real Madrid’s sources have advocated for defender Álvaro Carreras, who has excelled since his transfer from Benfica last summer. De la Fuente, who has Marc Cucurella and Alejandro Grimaldo available at left-back for international duty, shared his thoughts on Balde and Carreras potentially receiving national team recognition.

“All clubs are pleased when their players receive call-ups to the national team, without exception,” the 64-year-old stated. “I don’t know of any player who would decline an opportunity to join. This is normal, as it underscores the value of both the club and its players. The national team serves as a global platform for recognition. However, I remain unaffected by external opinions. Our decisions are made freely, and I select those I believe are the best fit. Balde has already been part of my squad, while Carreras has not yet, although he has represented us at lower levels. Both are on our preliminary list and performing well, but as long as I see others excelling, they will remain in contention.”

Barcelona concluded the year at the top of La Liga, having secured victories in their last eight league matches prior to the winter break. They will resume their campaign with a local derby against Espanyol.

Additionally, the Blaugrana will compete in the Supercopa de España, facing Athletic Club in the semi-final on January 7th. The winner of this match will advance to meet either Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid, who contest for a place in the final on January 8th.