De la Fuente breaks silence on Lamine Yamal controversy amid Spain-Barcelona tension – ‘They should have communicated’

The recent withdrawal of Lamine Yamal from Spain’s national team camp has created unexpected tension between FC Barcelona and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

What was supposed to be a calm international break quickly turned into controversy after the RFEF expressed surprise over the medical information received from Barcelona regarding the teenager’s condition.

Yamal, who underwent radiofrequency treatment for his pubic discomfort, was released from Spain’s squad shortly after joining up with the team.

The federation’s public statement describing its “astonishment” triggered a heated exchange between the two institutions.

Barcelona clarified its version of events, emphasising that the decision to proceed with treatment followed a medical consultation with an external specialist from Belgium and was entirely in the player’s best interest.

Luis de la Fuente breaks his silence

Amid the growing debate, Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, decided to address the situation in detail. When asked about Yamal’s call-up, he explained.

“I make a call-up based on the player’s performance in previous matches.

Lamine Yamal’s absence caused massive controversy. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

“In this case, I’m calling up Lamine because he’s played three 90-minute matches, which indicates that he’s in perfect condition.

“We always certify through medical services that the players are healthy. There is a protocol that if a player has discomfort, he comes in for tests and then has to go home.

“Sometimes it is done, and sometimes it is not. Always, now and in the past, we prioritise the health of the player.”

Communication between the parties

De la Fuente also clarified how fixture planning is handled between clubs and federations, saying.

“This is a schedule. The clubs know this before the season starts; they know that there are some games that are international windows.

“What we do is exercise our right and the players’ obligation to play for their national teams.

“It seems that the windows will be modified next year. Well, let whoever needs to do so agree on it.

“We are responsible for ensuring that these windows provide the best possible conditions for maximum performance.

“It is very difficult to manage a player’s workload when you have one game a month. It is more feasible to do so when you have 60 or 70 games in a club.”

Is there any dispute?

When asked whether there was an ongoing dispute with Barcelona, the coach denied any conflict, insisting on mutual respect between both sides.

“There is no conflict; we each have our own interests, which ultimately converge. We want Barça to have a successful season and we want to qualify for the World Cup.

De la Fuente refuted conflicts between anyone. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“The RFEF and the clubs always work together, prioritising health. There is no conflict with Barça, far from it. I demand that my decisions be respected and there should be no problem.

“I spoke to the player yesterday, we talked, the player went to bed, and we were aware of the situation. This morning, I reassured him. He wanted to stay, but it was impossible.

“We said goodbye to him, and he said goodbye to all his teammates.”

How did the player feel?

The coach admitted Yamal was understandably emotional after being forced to leave the squad.

“Lamine was worried. He is very young. We are seeing the number of injuries that occur, but not in the FIFA window.

“Also in the La Liga window, Champions League… soccer is a high-risk sport,” concluded De la Fuente.

He also suggested that Barcelona should have informed the national team before proceeding with the treatment.

“At the very least, they should have communicated what they intended to do. Then they are free to do whatever they think is best for their player,” he remarked.

Despite the tension, De la Fuente was keen to highlight Yamal’s commitment and affection for the national team.

“Lamine is sad. He is a player who is involved with the national team and is much loved. He left very sad, he was looking forward to playing these games.

“He wants to have a great season with his club and he also has his sights set on the Finalissima and the World Cup,” he explained.

Finally, he reassured fans that communication with Barcelona remains strong, even if improvements can still be made.

“I know that Karanka has been in contact with Deco and Barça. A lot. We’ll have to talk some more.

“It’s not just Lamine, there are other Barça players and there’s no problem. The relationship isn’t damaged, but everything can be improved on both sides,” he concluded.

Source: SPORT