""I understand the role that each one of us has, and that we are going to defend what is ours," De la Fuente told AS. "I understand his position, as he surely will understand mine, because he was also the coach of his country, Germany. I focus on my responsibility, which is to be Spain's coach, and that means bringing the best to represent our country. This alone justifies any of our decisions.""
""And I want to stress that we take care of the health of the players, that it is a priority and that we can demonstrate it. Because when we have had the slightest doubt with Lamine, or with anyone else, he has not played and has returned to his club. I have a clear conscience.""
Lamine Yamal aggravated a chronic groin injury while on Spain duty, prompting criticism from Barcelona boss Hansi Flick about Spain's handling of young players. Yamal was selected for the November World Cup qualifiers but was released after Barcelona informed Spain he needed rest following a groin procedure. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said he was surprised at the time but insisted there is no bad blood and defended his responsibility to bring the best to represent Spain. De la Fuente said player health is a priority and that players with any doubt are withdrawn and returned to their clubs. Spain hold a 31-game unbeaten run and are considered World Cup favourites in a group with Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.
Read at Soccer News
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