Barcelona star Lamine Yamal ‘main victim’ of club-country row, admits Spain manager Luis de la Fuente
Luis de la Fuente believes that relations between Spain and Barcelona can be improved by “both sides” and insists that Lamine Yamal is the “main victim” of the current disagreement.
Yamal was sent home from the national team camp yesterday after it was revealed that a medical carried out by Barca – without the knowledge of the Spanish medical team – meant he needed up to 10 days of rest, ruling him out of World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey.
This is the latest twist in a saga which has lasted for several weeks and in which Barça boss Hansi Flick accused Spain of “not taking care of the player”.
Yamal returned to Barcelona yesterday and De la Fuente said he was upset by the way the situation had unfolded.
He told Cadena Ser’s El Larguero show: “He is the first victim. He always wants to come. He left sad and hurt. If anyone says otherwise, they are lying or have bad intentions.”
De la Fuente: Yamal was excited to play the games
Spain claimed it was aware Barca had carried out a medical procedure on Yamal’s troublesome groin early in the afternoon, but it was only when the full medical report was received that evening that it became clear the winger would have to leave the team.
When asked how Yamal himself found out, De la Fuente replied: “We went to his room and I talked to him. He was incredibly sad and very hurt. He was fine when he arrived.
“He is a player involved in the national team and very loved. He left very sad, he was excited to play these matches. He wants to have a great season with his club and he also has the Finalissima and the World Cup to look forward to.”
Spain has a strong chance of securing its place at next week’s World Cup, but the showdown over Yamal threatens to overshadow preparations for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.
It was left to the national team’s technical director, Aitor Karanka, to hold talks with Barca to ensure improved relations.
De la Fuente said: “I know that Karanka has been in contact with [sporting director] Decoration and Barça. A lot. We’ll have to talk some more.
“Not only is there Lamine, there are more Barca players and there is no problem. The relationship is not deteriorating, but everything can be improved by both parties.”
We don’t want controversy, insists Barcelona president Laporta
Speaking on Catalunya Radio this morning, Barca president Joan Laporta defended the club’s actions and insisted everything was done according to the rules.
He said: “We told them [the national team medics] when we got the response from the doctor who examined him. Our doctors transferred him to those of the Federation. We don’t want controversy.
“On Monday the specialist came, made the diagnosis and did the treatment. Barca wants him to be in the best condition and we want him to be available. It happened like that and it coincided with the national team’s match, but the national team already has things on the right track.”
