Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has sought to draw a line under suggestions of a rift with Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, insisting there is “no conflict” between them over the handling of teenager Lamine Yamal’s fitness.
Flick had criticised Spain’s use of the 18-year-old winger during September’s World Cup qualifiers, suggesting his involvement exacerbated a groin injury. Yamal, who had been sidelined since August, made his first start for Barcelona in Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
“There is no conflict with Flick,” De la Fuente said on Friday after announcing his squad for upcoming qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria. “I was simply surprised by those statements because he has been a national team coach and I thought he would have more empathy.
“We have two very important matches coming up — we’re playing for World Cup qualification. It feels like that’s being overlooked while we talk about Flick. What matters is qualifying. Everything else is secondary. Everyone said what they wanted to say, and that’s it.”
Flick previously revealed he had exchanged text messages with De la Fuente but said their communication could improve. The Spain coach moved to clarify the situation further, explaining that Yamal only experienced minor discomfort after the match.
“When the match ended, he felt some discomfort — but I’ve never played without some discomfort,” De la Fuente explained. “Our medical staff have explained everything. Nothing serious happened. Did he feel something afterward? I don’t know.”
Spain will be without winger Nico Williams and defender Dani Carvajal for the upcoming fixtures. Striker Álvaro Morata has also been left out following a slow start to the season with Como.
Williams, who has been sidelined since suffering a groin injury in a 6-0 win over Turkey, was the subject of a request from Athletic Bilbao to have his minutes carefully managed.
“The risk in football always exists,” De la Fuente added. “If he is playing for his club, he’s accepting that risk. These are completely normal situations.”
Spain currently lead Group E with six points from two matches. They face Georgia in Elche on October 11 before hosting Bulgaria in Valladolid three days later.
