De la Fuente: No matter what is done with Lamine Yamal, there will always be criticism, but it must be based on facts

Spain's national team coach Luis de la Fuente gave an interview to Marca Radio, where he addressed various controversies surrounding him and expressed his desire to continue coaching the Spanish national team.



Is there a team playing better than Spain?
"We will strive to play well, but we know that this is a very subjective assessment. We aim to play well enough to win, and we have managed to find a balance between results and entertainment."

Does Barcelona play better than Spain?
"We want to make the most of the players' abilities, which is what satisfies us the most. I believe the players are very comfortable, they enjoy playing for the national team and are able to fully show their potential... but the most important thing is that the national team gives them the attention they need to enhance their value again."

How responsible are you for the success of the national team?
"We are all responsible for our teams. Barcelona has an excellent coach and great players, and we also have great players, so let's say we also have an excellent coach."

What kind of player were you when you played in La Liga?
"I was an attacking full-back, fast and energetic. I liked that type of player. Indeed, modern football demands depth and width on the wings. Now, we have excellent players like Grimaldo and Cucurella who fit that mold."

Do you feel that no matter what you do, you will always be criticized for your management of Lamine (Yamal)?
"That's the way it is, no matter what we do, there will always be criticism. Criticism should be based on facts because many of the criticisms we receive are groundless. I always calmly leave every press conference. They are normal; I feel like you might be tired of me. We must talk about things with basis, and everything that happens on the field."

Have you received contact from any teams in recent months?
"If I say no, that would be a lie. I always like to tell the truth. It's normal to have such contacts. I don't know where the news from the U.S. came from, but it came at the wrong time. They contacted us, which is normal, but we will listen when the time is right. I have an agency team that focuses on my future, and they will listen when the time comes. I think both sides are fully in agreement to continue working together. I am happy to coach the national team."

If you were the coach of Real Madrid, would you focus more on youth development or signings?
"I completely respect every club's decisions. I don't know how every club operates internally, but I come from a culture that values youth development. I have said many times that Spain has the best youth development system in the world, and I believe that giving young players a chance won't go wrong. The proof is that when given the choice, we pick young players, but I reiterate, I don't look at IDs (age)."

If you were the coach of France, how would you handle Mbappé's situation?
"Everyone will manage their affairs in the way they think is appropriate. All Spanish players want to come to the national team, and we should feel honored by that. From this standpoint, the coach must make decisions. If Lamine or any other player doesn't come, it's either for technical reasons or because they are not in good form; there is nothing more to it."

Does this apply to Nacho as well?
"No, players without physical issues are in the same situation as any other Spanish player. If there's an issue, it would cause discontent. I have a lot of respect for Nacho; he's an excellent player and a great person, but when making decisions, you have to consider both the present and the future. Right now, we think it's completely normal to call up another player."

Have you been hurt by systematic criticism from Barcelona regarding your management of their players?
"That's their job; they are there to say things that benefit them. Everyone defends their side. The message I want to convey is that the selection of players is for the benefit of everyone. We should care for and defend the national team. We should care about defending our collective interests, and we need to have that sensitivity. I don't know how much this affects me, but it doesn't influence my decisions."

Would you change your stance on Lamine’s "hurry" comments?
"In that reflection, not even a comma would change. Lamine is just 17, and we must be very careful. Everyone who praises everything now will criticize him when things go wrong. Barcelona takes very good care of him, but I didn’t say anything about a thousand details. To go further, those details are the most important. Many excellent players haven’t succeeded, and we want to understand why. It’s probably because they didn’t pay attention to those details—whether it's management, nutrition... this is what makes a footballer go further. Of course, Messi, Cristiano, or Maradona all paid attention to these details."

Will your new contract be signed in December?
"Without a contract, I cannot coach. Both sides are willing, and I’m sure when the elections take place on December 16th, these matters will be resolved."