Concerns Over Young Talent Treatment
Luis de la Fuente, the head coach of the Spanish national team, has brushed off concerns raised by Hansi Flick regarding the treatment of young talent Lamine Yamal. Recently, the 18-year-old Barcelona forward sustained a groin injury, which he aggravated after featuring in two World Cup qualifying matches against Bulgaria and Turkey, each exceeding 70 minutes of play. This injury has forced Yamal to miss several matches for his club, including fixtures against Valencia, Newcastle United, Getafe, and Real Oviedo.
Flick’s Disappointment
Flick, who oversees the German national team, expressed his disappointment in how the Spanish squad managed Yamal’s condition, arguing that the player’s fitness was not properly prioritized. According to Flick, Yamal had reported an existing minor injury prior to joining the national team, which was exacerbated by his participation in both international matches.
This is not taking care of players.
Flick remarked, highlighting the challenges of effective communication between national and club teams.
De la Fuente’s Response
De la Fuente, addressing the situation at an event, indicated that he was unaware of Flick’s comments, stating,
At the moment, I don’t remember what Flick said, nor is it significant to me.
He emphasized that clear dialogue is a two-way street, acknowledging the difficulties inherent in managing national teams.
Yamal’s Impact and Future
Before his injury, Yamal had made a notable impact with Barcelona, contributing two goals and two assists across his first three appearances of the season. Despite the setback, he is anticipated to make a comeback soon, as Barcelona prepares to face Real Sociedad in La Liga and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League shortly thereafter. Yamal is among several injured players, which includes key teammates such as Marc-André ter Stegen, Alejandro Balde, Fermín López, and Gavi, who are also sidelined for upcoming matches.
