The Lamine Yamal Controversy

Spain’s latest squad announcement reignited controversy surrounding Lamine Yamal. The FC Barcelona starlet, who has been dealing with pubalgia and missed several games for his club, was once again called up by Luis de la Fuente for the matches against Georgia and Bulgaria. The situation escalated when Hansi Flick accused the Spain coach of failing to protect his players, pointing out that Yamal had already traveled with pain and still played both matches despite discomfort.

The German coach, now on Barça’s bench, was blunt: “It’s not taking care of players when they arrive with pain, don’t train, and then play more than 70 minutes.” His statement sparked fresh tension between the club and the Spanish Federation.

De la Fuente Strikes Back

De la Fuente did not shy away from the issue and responded sharply in a press conference. “I was surprised by his words. Hansi Flick has been a national coach and knows how we behave. I thought he would have empathy with this,” said the Spanish manager. He insisted that Yamal’s situation had been managed normally and transparently.

He even raised his tone: “I always tell the truth. These are normal aches, controllable pains. He never reported anything before the game and only mentioned some discomfort afterward.” The heated exchange escalated to a clash with a journalist, reflecting the tense atmosphere surrounding the call-up.

An Ongoing Debate

The Spain coach argued that the risk of playing with minor issues always exists in football. “Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal were playing for their clubs. If they do it there, they can do it here too,” he concluded.

The case has opened a standoff between De la Fuente and Flick, with Lamine Yamal caught in the middle. Spain see him as a cornerstone of their present and future, while Barça fears that their 17-year-old jewel may continue to pay the price physically for too many matches.