De la Fuente hits back at ‘lying’ reports over Lamine Yamal’s special treatment claims

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has strongly rejected suggestions that Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal receives preferential treatment within the national team, accusing sections of the media of spreading false information.

According to GOAL⁠, De la Fuente was angered by reports questioning why the teenager was allowed to join the squad later than his teammates ahead of Spain’s Nations League fixtures.

Yamal missed Thursday’s meeting with Czechia after experiencing inflammation in his right knee following Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid. Spain’s medical team assessed the problem and recommended that he remain at his club for treatment rather than travel unnecessarily.

“What hurts me most is the lying, the lack of rigour, the absence of truthfulness and the fabrication,” De la Fuente said. He also insisted: “Lamine doesn’t have any special privileges. We would have done this for any other player.” The winger is targeting a return against England on Sunday.