Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has warned Barcelona not to lecture him about taking care of players after seeing Lamine Yamal withdrawn from his latest squad.
The Barcelona teenager won’t feature in Spain’s final two World Cup qualifiers after undergoing treatment for his pubalgia issues, in a move which left De la Fuente “surprised.”
The Spain boss says he does plan to talk to Barcelona manager Hansi Flick but says he always looks after his players.
“I take care of the players, so don’t come here and lecture me about taking care of players. I think it’s fine that they say it, but nobody should come here and lecture me on that. Not Barça, not anyone,” he told Cope.
“I’ll talk to Flick , but this isn’t a matter between coaches, it’s an institutional matter. We each have to fulfill our roles. We’ll talk someday, and when the time comes, we’ll talk. This can’t be resolved between coaches; it has to be between institutions, and an agreement must be reached understanding the importance of being on the national team.”
Tensions between Barcelona and Spain have become strained due to a number of incidents over the years.
Gavi was seriously injured while on international duty, while Barca were annoyed after Yamal was given painkillers by Spain so he could play in a match back in September.
