Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has issued a stern warning to young sensation Lamine Yamal, urging him to adapt to the physical demands of international football. This comes after Yamal, 17, was subjected to rough treatment by Denmark players during Spain’s 1-0 UEFA Nations League victory on Saturday.
Yamal, Barcelona’s promising winger, was on the receiving end of several strong tackles from the Danish side. The teenager was seen limping as he boarded the team bus post-match, sparking concerns about his well-being.
De la Fuente addressed the issue in a news conference, emphasizing the need for Yamal to toughen up. “You have to apply the toughness that the rules allow,” he stated, highlighting the referee’s role in maintaining the game’s physicality.
The Spain coach acknowledged that opponents often target talented young players like Yamal, attempting to intimidate and disrupt their performance. “The referee has to protect these talented players, but Lamine has to get used to it,” De la Fuente stressed.
De la Fuente’s words echoed a harsh reality in football, where physicality and mental resilience are essential. “I would love it to be a bed of roses, Flower Power, but this sport is like that,” he remarked.
Despite the challenges, Yamal impressed with his attitude and contribution to Spain’s win. De la Fuente praised the teenager’s exceptional display on the right flank, underscoring his special talent.
Denmark’s Victor Kristiansen was booked for a late foul on Yamal, and the left-back later admitted to intentionally challenging the youngster. Kristiansen wanted Yamal to know he wouldn’t be intimidated.
Sources close to the Spain national team downplayed concerns about Yamal’s limp, suggesting it wasn’t a major concern ahead of Tuesday’s Nations League clash with Serbia.
However, a statement from the Spanish football federation (RFEF) on Sunday revealed that Yamal had returned to Barcelona and would miss the Serbia game.
Yamal’s absence will give him time to recover and reflect on De la Fuente’s words, as he prepares to face the physical and mental demands of international football in the future.
