De la Fuente defends Yamal and targets ‘lies’ ahead of Spain’s Czech Republic test

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has rejected suggestions that Lamine Yamal was reluctant to join the squad or had been given special treatment ahead of Thursday’s Nations League match against Czech Republic.

De la Fuente was visibly angry when asked about claims that the Barcelona forward had “avoided” international duty.

“Speaking from ignorance is the saddest and most regrettable thing in life,” he said.

The 19-year-old was left out because of a knee problem, rather than through a decision to stay away from Spain.

“Lamine was injured and felt discomfort in his knee. He went for his usual treatment, where they found fluid and inflammation. That meant he needed rest,” De la Fuente explained.

“Our medical team, in coordination with his medical team and me, decided it was best for him to remain at home and train with his club before joining us on Friday. Is that clear now?”

De la Fuente also dismissed claims that Yamal enjoyed privileges unavailable to his team-mates.

“I am here to clarify that inside the dressing room. That is what I mean by the sophists – I am here to make things clear. He has no privileges,” he said.

“We would have done the same with any other player. It does not bother me. We miss all the players who are not with us. That is football, and those are injuries.”

He said Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal were both recovering well and expected Yamal to link up with the squad on Friday after completing a series of exercises.

“There are things that reach me, and what hurts me most is lies, a lack of accuracy, credibility and invention. Faced with that, I try to reveal the truth,” De la Fuente added.

“Sometimes that is why I say more than I should. That is my way of showing reality, through facts. I cannot stand people who try to deceive you and lie to you.”

Rodri absence and unbeaten run

De la Fuente acknowledged that Rodri’s absence would affect Spain because no player can completely replicate another’s qualities.

“For me, Rodri is the best player in the world in this position, and Zubimendi is second,” he said. “Zubimendi is very useful to us and gives the team what it needs, although in a different way.”

Spain are unbeaten in 43 consecutive matches and are targeting a 44th against Czech Republic.

“We want to keep competing for top spot with England,” De la Fuente said. “Nobody expected us to reach 35 matches, but after reaching 43, we want to get to 44.”

He refused to confirm his starting goalkeeper, saying: “If I tell you yes or no, I have already revealed it. I will be innovative.”

De la Fuente praised Alvaro Valles and Alvaro for adapting quickly, while describing Unai Simon as “the best goalkeeper in the world” and praising his character and development since he first worked with him at the age of 16 or 17.

Spain are not looking beyond Thursday’s game to their meeting with England.

“We want to win tomorrow. There is only this match,” he said.

Aymeric Laporte will miss training because of a viral illness and his availability remains uncertain.

De la Fuente called Czech Republic a difficult opponent and praised manager Santi Denia, whom he described as a friend and “my teacher”.

“He taught me how to be a national-team manager,” De la Fuente said. “He will do a great job.”

Asked who would inherit Dani Olmo’s number 10 shirt, he said squad numbers were chosen by players according to seniority and that he did not know who would select it.