As defends De La Fuente: Barcelona can use Yamal, why can t Spain recruit him?

"AS" published an article defending the Spanish national team coach De La Fuente's decision to call up Yamal.

On the October international match day, Yamal was selected for the Spanish roster but eventually withdrew due to medical reasons. Since then, Yamal has participated in all five games of Barcelona. He was only substituted at the end of the game against Girona (about half an hour before the end).

He played 90 minutes at the Bernabeu, 75 minutes against Olympiacos (substituted when the team led 4-1), 88 minutes against Elche (the team led 3-1 since the 61st minute), and also played the entire game in Bruges. He persisted in the game despite discomfort, even in games where the outcome was determined, but no one criticized Flick for endangering the player's health, so people should not make any accusations about his inclusion in the Spanish roster.

The national team cannot recruit players at will as needed. They exist due to the needs of football development. If this principle is accepted, then the national team should enjoy the same legitimacy as the club. Although there are doubts about the necessity of playing two games against Bulgaria in order to qualify for the World Cup, since the format is such, it is logical for Spain to call up the best players. De la Fuente is asked to show tolerance that has never been shown to other national team managers who have called up players from La Liga. If De La Fuente gives in, the national team will challenge with a complete lineup. Even if the record is poor, obeying the club's wishes will not increase his termination compensation.

Therefore, it is the responsibility of the coach to decide whether players need to rest. Taking Pedri as an example, Flick asked him to play in the first 13 games of this season, 8 of which were full and 4 of which lasted at least 76 minutes. Now that he is injured, the combination of high-intensity competition and crazy schedule is a time bomb, and there is no need to investigate who is responsible. This matter can be communicated, but it should not be in the form of pressure. Therefore, de la Fuente called up Yamal to defend his mission and will lock in qualification against Georgia. If the goal is achieved, he is likely to rest Yamal against Turkey.

Everything should be based on responsibility first, and then common sense judgment.