Spain boss refuses to take blame for Barcelona forward’s injury – ‘Am I responsible?’

Spain’s national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, has responded to concerns about Lamine Yamal’s recent injury, making it clear that no player, including Yamal, will receive special treatment.

This comes after Yamal was seen limping following Spain’s match against Denmark, and medical tests later confirmed a hamstring strain in his left thigh.

Regarding Yamal’s situation, de la Fuente explained that after the Denmark match, Yamal expressed doubts about being fully fit for Spain’s upcoming game.

As a result, the decision was made to rest him, which the coach noted is a common practice, not an exception.

“I’m going to tell the truth. Lamine had a problem at the end of the match. I asked him if he would be 100% fit on Tuesday and there were doubts. 

Given that, it’s better to rest. We’ve done it with others, it’s no exception,” he said as quoted by AS.

The coach emphasised that when a player gets injured, some people may question whether proper caution was taken, but in Yamal’s case, the decision to play him was in line with standard practices.

“I don’t see anyone wearing a magician’s hat, you’re all the same as me. What had to happen is happening. 

“Other teammates had no doubts and that’s why they’re here with us. Lamine had to play because this is football, there’s no more debate.”

Any pressure from Barcelona?

The coach also addressed claims that Barcelona had put pressure on the national team regarding Yamal’s fitness.

He stated that he has not had any contact with Barcelona and has a good relationship with the club.

“Pressure from Barcelona, ​​zero. I haven’t spoken to anyone from Barça, I have a very good relationship with them. There hasn’t been a lack of commitment, there has simply been sincerity and honesty.”

De la Fuente praised Yamal’s honesty, explaining that the player himself admitted he wasn’t ready for the next crucial match, showing a mature and responsible attitude.

“He tells me that he isn’t ready for such an important match, which could mean qualifying for the Champions League quarter-finals. I have complete faith in him.”

What about player protection?

In terms of protecting players, de la Fuente stated that it is the referees’ job to enforce the rules and protect players like Yamal from dangerous tackles.

“If you tell me that there are angry people, that’s what they are, but nobody has told me that. I’m just explaining what football is. The referees are the ones who have to defend Lamine, applying the rules.”

He argued that in football, great players have always been targeted by defenders, and it is up to officials to ensure fairness on the pitch.

“The rival will use all the weapons to try to stop players as good as Lamine or other greats in history. Have you played football? Have you been kicked? Are you going to hold me responsible for Lamine being kicked?”

Yamal’s workload

The coach acknowledged Yamal’s heavy workload, having played 72 matches for Barcelona and the national team since his debut in September 2023.

“He has played 17 games with us, reaching the final of the Euro. In two years, that would be 26. One a month with Spain more or less. We have very important games and the best have to play.”

However, de la Fuente defended his decisions, noting that top players are always expected to play in important matches, citing legends like Maradona, Messi, and Ronaldo, whose managers consistently selected them for crucial games.

“Now we turn the tables. If Lamine didn’t come, you would be the first to criticize me. We do take care of the footballers. 

“All coaches want the very best to play: it was the case with Maradona, Pele, Cruyff, Ronaldo and Messi. Or did their coaches not put them in?” he added.