Roberto Gómez has come to the defense of Luis de la Fuente following remarks made by Joan Laporta that sparked tension between FC Barcelona and the Spanish National Team. The controversy began after young star Lamine Yamal was forced to leave the Spanish squad due to an overload sustained during a match against Denmark in Murcia. This situation alarmed Barça fans, who feared for Yamal’s condition ahead of one of the most crucial weeks of the season.
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The 16-year-old left the Estadio Enrique Roca limping on Saturday, setting off alarm bells at Can Barça. The following morning, Yamal underwent medical tests, and after consultations between the Federación and FC Barcelona, it was decided that he would skip the upcoming match against Serbia and return to Barcelona for further recovery.
During an appearance on ‘Barça One’ on Thursday, Joan Laporta did not shy away from criticizing the Spanish National Team coach, claiming that Luis de la Fuente had allegedly tried to convince Yamal to stay with the national team despite his injury concerns.
“We don’t want a repeat of what happened with Pedri. Lamine is subjected to a lot of hard tackles, and playing him on Saturday and Tuesday would have been reckless. What I didn’t like was that they tried to convince him to play,” Laporta remarked.
Roberto Gómez Refutes Laporta’s Accusations and Defends Luis de la Fuente
In the early hours of ElDesmarque Madrugada, journalist Roberto Gómez analyzed Laporta’s comments and quickly defended Luis de la Fuente. Gómez firmly denied that any attempt was made to persuade Lamine Yamal to remain with the Spanish team.
While it is true that there was communication between the parties, as Gómez explained, the claim that the national coach tried to convince Yamal to stay is false.
“Joan Laporta is lying when he says that the Federación or the coach tried to persuade him. He asked how the player was feeling, and Yamal responded, ‘Coach, I don’t feel strong enough,’” revealed Gómez. “I don’t understand it. That never happened,” he concluded.
Former footballer Kiko Narváez also expressed disbelief at Laporta’s statements. He explained on a separate show on Cuatro that, in these situations, if a player expresses physical discomfort, the Spanish National Team would never attempt to keep the player against his will.
The Real Reason Behind Barcelona’s Frustration
Journalist David Sánchez further clarified the underlying reasons behind FC Barcelona’s frustration in a segment hosted by Ricardo Reyes. According to Sánchez, the issue wasn’t that Lamine Yamal played for 60 or 70 minutes during the game against Denmark, but rather the comments made by Luis de la Fuente following the match that upset the club.
“It wasn’t so much the minutes that bothered Barcelona; the first point of frustration came from De la Fuente’s comments after the Denmark game. It wasn’t about a supposed ‘hunt’ for Lamine, because the club knows that didn’t happen. What bothered them was the coach’s tone, which they felt was more appropriate for the Danish national team coach than for the Spanish one,” Sánchez explained.
“Sure, we know there wasn’t a targeted attack on Yamal, but don’t come out and say, ‘This is football, and we’re not handing out candy here.’ At least try to appear as if you’re protecting one of your own,” Sánchez added.
Protecting Young Talent: The Pedri and Yamal Debate
FC Barcelona’s sensitivity regarding the treatment of their young players stems from the case of Pedri, another rising star who has faced injury concerns due to overuse. The club is particularly cautious about preventing similar scenarios with Lamine Yamal, especially as the teenager is still developing physically and has become a key player for both Barça and the Spanish National Team.
Joan Laporta’s comments reflect the club’s protective stance over their players, especially those who are exposed to intense playing schedules at a young age. The comparison to Pedri’s situation is not without merit, as Pedri was similarly overplayed during his breakout season, leading to a series of injuries that have plagued his career since.
Lamine Yamal, who has already established himself as a vital part of Barcelona’s attack at just 16 years old, faces a delicate balance between club and country obligations. The club wants to ensure that his workload is managed carefully to avoid potential burnout or long-term injury.
Laporta’s Concerns About National Team Management
While Joan Laporta has emphasized the importance of player welfare, his critique of Luis de la Fuente has brought attention to a larger debate about how national teams manage their players. Barcelona has frequently found itself at odds with the Spanish National Team regarding the use of its players, especially when it comes to high-intensity tournaments and friendly matches.
Laporta’s comments about Yamal and Pedri highlight the growing tension between clubs and national teams, particularly when it comes to the physical demands placed on young talents. For Barcelona, the priority is ensuring that their stars remain fit and healthy throughout the season, particularly as they approach critical matches in both La Liga and European competitions.
The Response from Luis de la Fuente
While Luis de la Fuente has not publicly responded to Joan Laporta’s accusations, his handling of Lamine Yamal’s situation has been supported by several figures within Spanish football. As Roberto Gómez pointed out, there was no coercion or pressure from the national team’s side to keep Yamal in the squad after his injury. Instead, the decision to send him back to Barcelona was made collaboratively between the club and the Federación, prioritizing the player’s health above all.
Kiko Narváez echoed this sentiment, adding that in these types of situations, the national team typically defers to the player’s own assessment of their fitness. “If a player says they’re not feeling well, there’s no way the national team would force them to stay,” he explained.
Conclusion
The recent tension between FC Barcelona and the Spanish National Team surrounding Lamine Yamal and Pedri reflects broader concerns about player welfare and the delicate balance between club and country commitments. While Joan Laporta has voiced his frustrations with Luis de la Fuente’s handling of the situation, figures like Roberto Gómez have stepped in to defend the national coach, pointing out that the decision to rest Yamal was made in the player’s best interest.
As the season progresses, managing the workloads of young talents like Lamine Yamal will continue to be a critical issue for both Barcelona and the Spanish National Team. With crucial matches on the horizon, ensuring that players are fit and healthy will be key to their success.
