Spain’s National Team coach Luis de la Fuente is shocked about Lamine Yamal’s situation!
When Luis de la Fuente named his latest Spain squad, he expected Lamine Yamal to be one of his brightest stars. Instead, he was left speechless by the news coming out of Barcelona. What should have been a routine international call-up turned into a controversy that caught the entire football community off guard.
According to reports, Yamal was withdrawn from the national team after undergoing a medical procedure for a groin injury — a procedure the Spanish Football Federation claims it was never informed about. De la Fuente expressed disbelief when he learned the details, describing the entire situation as “unprecedented.”
In his press conference, the coach’s frustration was evident. “You’re told after the fact. I’ve never experienced anything like this before,” he said. For a manager known for calm professionalism, his reaction spoke volumes.
The problem isn’t simply the injury itself — it’s how it was handled. Communication between club and country appears to have completely broken down. The Spanish Federation publicly stated its “shock and discomfort” at being left out of the loop, emphasizing that such decisions should always be made collaboratively for the player’s wellbeing.
For Spain, the timing couldn’t be worse. Yamal, still only a teenager, has become one of the most electrifying talents in world football. His absence is a significant blow ahead of crucial fixtures, and the uncertainty surrounding his health has made matters even worse.
Barcelona, on the other hand, insists that protecting Yamal’s long-term fitness is their top priority. The club reportedly advised the player to rest after recurring discomfort, believing it would be reckless to push him too soon. That explanation hasn’t satisfied the Spanish camp.
De la Fuente’s comments hinted at a deeper concern: the lack of transparency. He called the situation “not normal” and questioned how such decisions could be made without informing the national medical staff. It’s a communication failure that raises serious questions about the coordination between clubs and federations.
To fill the gap, Spain quickly called up Jorge de Frutos as a replacement. Yet de la Fuente made it clear that no one can truly replace Yamal. “He’s special,” the coach said. “When you lose a player like that, it’s not just about tactics — it changes everything.”
Behind the scenes, sources suggest the federation may push for stricter protocols to prevent similar conflicts. Club-versus-country tensions are nothing new, but Yamal’s case has reignited the debate over who truly has authority over a player’s body.
For now, de la Fuente remains focused on preparing his team, but there’s a clear sense of unease. One of Spain’s most promising stars is out, the coach feels blindsided, and the trust between national and club management appears fractured.
Whether this incident becomes a turning point or just another controversy will depend on how both sides handle the fallout. But one thing is certain — Luis de la Fuente won’t forget the shock of Lamine Yamal’s situation anytime soon.