Luis de la Fuente has spoken out about the injury controversy surrounding Lamine Yamal while on Spain duty, insisting he has a “clear conscience” despite the conflict with Barcelona boss Hansi Flick.
Flick had criticized Spain’s handling of young players after Yamal aggravated a groin injury during the first international break of the season in September. The teenager was later released from the squad for World Cup qualifiers in November after Barcelona requested he rest following a procedure on his groin.
De la Fuente, however, maintains that there is no bad blood between them. “I understand his position, as he surely will understand mine,” De la Fuente told AS. “I focus on my responsibility as Spain’s coach, and that means bringing the best to represent our country. This alone justifies any of our decisions.”
The Spain national team is currently on a 31-game unbeaten streak, surpassing their previous records from European Championship successes and their 2010 World Cup triumph. De la Fuente believes this generation of players is capable of challenging for the World Cup title.
“We can be world champions. We can, and we will fight to be,” he said. “But other teams will also try. None of the top teams will be left out, like Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France, Portugal, or Morocco. There hasn’t been another World Cup with such a wide range of contenders as there will be in the next one.”
With the World Cup on the horizon, Spain will be looking to continue their impressive form and make a strong push for the title. Stay tuned for more updates on La Roja’s journey to Qatar.
