Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has responded to Hansi Flick’s sharp criticism with a four-word declare that has solely added gasoline to the controversy round Lamine Yamal’s latest harm. The teenage Barcelona star, hailed as one among Europe’s brightest skills, returned from the final worldwide break with a muscle downside that left his membership fuming. Flick, who has already been outspoken in regards to the calls for positioned on his gamers, launched an assault on Spain’s dealing with of Yamal, however De la Fuente has made it clear he has little time for the accusations.
Lamine Yamal’s newest setback has re-ignited a well-recognized battle in trendy soccer: the delicate stability between membership and nationwide group duties. The 18-year-old returned to Barcelona nursing a groin harm sustained throughout Spain’s September qualifiers towards Bulgaria and Turkey. Regardless of being in apparent discomfort, he was requested to begin in each video games, taking part in 73 and 79 minutes respectively in matches La Roja gained by a mixed 9-0 scoreline.
Again at Camp Nou, the fallout was quick. Yamal has since missed fixtures towards Valencia, Newcastle, and Getafe, and he’s additionally unavailable for the LaLiga conflict with Actual Oviedo. His absence has left Flick in need of choices, whereas additionally elevating broader questions on participant welfare throughout worldwide breaks.
The Barcelona boss was livid, utilizing a press convention to lash out at La Roja’s medical workers: “It’s a disgrace. He already left right here in ache. They gave him painkillers, and he performed 73 and 79 minutes [against Bulgaria and Turkey]. And between video games, he didn’t prepare. That’s not taking good care of the gamers. Spain has the most effective gamers and the most effective nationwide group, however they haven’t taken care of the gamers, and that’s all I can say. I’m very disenchanted.”
RFEF hits again at Flick
Officers on the Royal Spanish Soccer Federation (RFEF) have been fast to defend themselves. In keeping with Sport, there was no communication from the membership concerning Yamal’s situation earlier than the break. Spain’s physio who works instantly with Blaugrana gamers in camp reportedly obtained no warnings from the membership’s medical group.
Against this, considerations about Gavi’s health had been flagged instantly, and the midfielder was withdrawn from the squad earlier than a ball was kicked. That distinction, the RFEF argues, proves they did act responsibly and highlights their frustration with Flick’s accusations.
What did Luis de la Fuente say?
When pressed about Flick’s feedback, De la Fuente refused to have interaction in a disagreement. Talking throughout a public occasion in his native La Rioja, he dismissed the criticism fully. “Do you suppose,” he advised reporters, “that right now, in my homeland, and having fun with this second, I keep in mind what Hansi Flick mentioned? I’m not even .”
That four-word declare—“I’m not even ”—has set social media alight. For some, it underlines Spain’s indifference to Barca’s considerations. For others, it reveals a coach unwilling to escalate an issue that would overshadow his group’s preparations.
Whatever the verbal sparring, the Spanish teenager’s restoration is now the central difficulty. Reviews in Marca recommend the Blaugrana won’t take any dangers with their teenage sensation. Although there’s hope he could possibly be slot in time for the La Liga conflict with Actual Sociedad, membership officers see the Champions League assembly with Paris Saint-Germain on October 1 because the extra reasonable goal for his full return.
