Olmo Addresses Tensions Between Barcelona and RFEF Over Yamal’s Injury

Olmo, a pivotal attacking midfielder for Barcelona and the Spanish national team, has sought to ease the rising tensions between his club and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) regarding the ongoing injury complications of young winger Yamal. Speaking during a national team camp, Olmo remarked to Mundo Deportivo that he and his teammates “don’t experience that much tension from within.”

The latest incident arose when Yamal, who had been selected for Spain’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey, underwent an “invasive radiofrequency procedure” for pubic discomfort on the same day he was meant to join the squad. The RFEF expressed its “surprise and dismay,” stating that the procedure was conducted “without prior communication to the national team’s medical staff.”

Although Aitor Karanka, the RFEF’s sporting director, later affirmed that communication had been “fantastic,” national team coach Luis de la Fuente voiced his confusion, saying, “I’ve never experienced a situation like this before. I don’t think it’s very normal. It has surprised us all.” This controversy echoes a previous public disagreement in September when Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick criticized the RFEF for not adequately managing Yamal’s health after he returned from international duty injured.

Recently recovered from a muscle problem himself, which had prevented Olmo from participating in the last international call-up, he offered insights into the often complex relationship between clubs and national teams, asserting that players are largely unaffected by the discord. “I don’t think we experience that much tension from within. Ultimately, both the club and the national team always prioritize what’s best for the player, and I haven’t observed any significant issues on either side,” he stated.

“If Lamine isn’t at 100% right now and hasn’t been able to be, then there’s no problem. Lamine is a crucial player for both Barça and the national team, and we need him at his best, and if he’s not, he’s not.”

Addressing the discussions surrounding FC Barcelona, Olmo remarked, “Barcelona always generates a lot of talk, both internally and externally. However, as I’ve mentioned, it doesn’t concern us, nor do we feel the tension that might be perceived from the outside. Internally, everything remains completely normal, always with the player’s best interests in mind.”

Additionally, Olmo elaborated on his meticulous approach to fitness, which encompasses a comprehensive regimen of physiotherapy, gym workouts, and a carefully managed diet facilitated by a personal chef. “I know my body very well; I understand what I need. I strive to work both on and off the field in the gym to mitigate those kinds of problems as much as possible,” he explained. He also provided an update on his recovery: “I feel much better now. I’ve just overcome the discomfort that sidelined me from the last squad. After playing three matches with Barça, I’m regaining my form and feel great, very comfortable, training hard, and ready to return to my best.”

Olmo has been assigned a different role for Spain, aligning more with his responsibilities during his time at RB Leipzig than with his current duties at Barcelona. “I feel good and comfortable, with increased involvement in the build-up play, particularly in the last match alongside Frenkie [de Jong]. It’s a position I feel at ease in. Both De la Fuente and Hansi understand my capabilities in various roles, whether as an attacking midfielder, centrally, or in more advanced positions. I’m fortunate to be able to excel in multiple positions, and I feel comfortable in all of them.”

Yamal will utilize the international break to concentrate on his recovery from pubalgia, with hopes of being fit for Barcelona’s league match against Athletic Club on November 22. His long-term management will be a focal point of dialogue between Barcelona and the RFEF, as both recognize his exceptional talent and significance for the future.

Meanwhile, the Spanish national team is focused on securing World Cup qualification in their forthcoming matches against Georgia and Turkey. Although Yamal’s absence is a setback, the squad remains dedicated to achieving its goal. Spain can secure qualification in their upcoming clash with Georgia on Saturday. “The ultimate objective is to win, to secure victories in both matches. We haven’t mathematically qualified yet, so our aim is to be present at the 2026 World Cup,” Olmo concluded.