Report: Barcelona feel overworked stars suffer under national team demands

Barcelona are increasingly concerned about the overuse of their players by the Spanish national team. This issue has resurfaced following the recent incident involving Lamine Yamal, who suffered from muscle overload while playing for Spain.

According to reports from journalist Irati Vidal on Radio Marca, the club believes their players are being pushed too hard when representing the national team.

This concern isn’t new. Barcelona have already experienced similar situations with key players like Pedri, Gavi, and Fermin Lopez.

The club feels that these players have been overused by Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, with little regard for the impact on their physical well-being.

“Barça is coming from the Pedri case, as well as those of Gavi and Fermin. In Barcelona, they understand that with the national team, they have just been overused. 

“I also understand Luis de la Fuente because in the end he is the coach and he wants the best to play, and if the best are from Barça, Madrid or Atleti, then they end up on the pitch,” she said.

Barcelona’s history with Spanish national team

Barcelona’s frustrations stem from past incidents, particularly with Pedri, who played over 70 matches for both club and country during the 2020/21 season.

The heavy workload took a toll on the young midfielder, and he has struggled to fully regain his form ever since.

Gavi also faced a similar fate. Just as he was about to solidify his role as a key player for Barcelona, he suffered a significant knee injury while on international duty.

Despite this, de la Fuente did not seem to acknowledge any responsibility for the player’s injury, leaving Barcelona frustrated once again.

In Yamal’s case, the issue goes beyond just physical challenges. During a recent match against Denmark, Yamal had to endure tough tackles, which worsened his condition.

However, it wasn’t just the challenges from the opposition that led to his muscle overload—his lack of rest also played a significant role.

Barcelona are left feeling that their players, who are crucial to the club’s success, are being put at risk when they join the national team.

The club understands that de la Fuente wants the best players available for Spain, but this repeated pattern of overuse is becoming a serious concern for their long-term development.