Luis de la Fuente insists he has “a clear conscience” after Lamine Yamal’s injury while on duty in Spain led to conflict with Barcelona boss Hansi Flick.
Flick criticized Spain’s handling of young players after Yamal aggravated a chronic groin injury during the first international break of the season in September.
The teenager was selected for the World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey in November, but was dropped from the squad after Barcelona informed Spain he needed rest following a procedure on his groin.
De la Fuente admitted he was “surprised” at the time, but assured there was no bad blood.
“I understand the role that each of us has, and that we are going to defend what is ours,” De la Fuente told AS.
“I understand his position, just as he will certainly understand mine, because he was also the coach of his country, Germany. I focus on my responsibility, which is to be the coach of Spain, and that means bringing the best to represent our country. This alone justifies all our decisions.”
“And I want to emphasize that we take care of the health of the players, that this is a priority and that we can demonstrate that. Because if we have had the slightest doubt with Lamine, or with anyone else, he has not played and he has returned to his club. I have a clear conscience.”
20+ – Lamine Yamal is one of only two players from Europe’s top five leagues to have scored more than 20 goals (21) and provided 20+ assists (21) in all competitions in 2025, alongside Michael Olise (21 goals and 24 assists). Stellar. pic.twitter.com/la7a5KaatH
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) December 29, 2025
Spain are on a 31-match unbeaten run, surpassing the tally achieved during their European Championship successes in 2008 and 2012 and their World Cup triumph in 2010.
La Roja are considered the favorites for this year’s World Cup, where they have been drawn alongside Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.
“This run highlights the great work of a group of exceptional players, but we still need to win a World Cup,” said De la Fuente.
“This generation is capable of taking on a challenge for the next. The fact that we are undefeated in so many games shows that we are doing a good job, which reflects the commitment of everyone involved.
“We can become world champions. We can, and we will fight for it. But other teams will try too. None of the top teams will be left out, like Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France, Portugal or Morocco.”
“There has never been a World Cup with such a wide range of participants as the next one.”
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