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Reigning Euro 2024 champions Spain recently released its squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Denmark and Switzerland.
Four Barcelona players made it to the Spain squad, with Marc Casado being the headline addition while Pau Cubarsi missed out due to his severe knock this midweek.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente answered many questions regarding his selection, in a recent press conference, where he addressed the fitness of Cubarsi while talking about the new addition, Casado.
De la Fuente on Cubarsi
De la Fuente started by providing an update on Cubarsi, admitting that it is better not to take any risks with the Barcelona defender.
Pau Cuarsi suffered a knock on his cheek against Crvena Zvezda. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
“He had a significant wound, with 9 stitches and very deep. We always take care of our players. Pau has to have a few days until the wound heals. We must not take any risks,” de la Fuente said.
Barcelona, too, are likely to proceed with caution as they take on Real Sociedad this Sunday – a game where Cubarsi might have to settle for a place on the bench.
De la Fuente on Casado
Moving on to Casado, de la Fuente couldn’t hold back praise for the young midfielder, who has been in sensational form this season.
“It’s all thanks to his confidence, determination and ability. There are very good footballers who need that level of demand to shine. If he hadn’t been put in his club we wouldn’t have valued his ability so much,” he said.
Casado is the latest addition to a young Spain team (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
“Great professionals and great people are the ones who show the most when faced with the greatest challenges. From now on he will be challenged and he is ready. He still has room for improvement,” the coach added.
De la Fuente on Barcelona’s academy
A common factor between Casado and Cubarsi is the La Masia Academy, which has been producing one star talent after another.
Talking about the influx of La Masia stars in the Spanish national team, de la Fuente said, “We don’t look at where the players come from. We value their level. Barcelona is doing a fantastic job.
“It’s about giving opportunities. Young talented players are capable of not failing. This is good for Spanish football.“
De la Fuente on Inigo Martinez’s absence
Inigo Martinez was a notable snub from de la Fuente’s team list. The Barcelona defender has been in sensational form this season, but he was missing from the squad.
Addressing the media about Martinez’s absence, the Spanish coach said, “Nothing has been done haphazardly. Everything is done for a reason. We always think about what is best for the team.
“You will miss Inigo, but Aitor is having an exceptional campaign. It was time to see him in this challenge,” he added.
De la Fuente on Gavi and Ferran
Gavi has not been called up for the national team duty. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
De la Fuente went on to talk about Gavi and Ferran Torres, two Barcelona players who are looking to slowly get back to a hundred percent after a spell on the sidelines.
“Gavi is in the natural process. He was injured a year ago. His progress is exceptional. He is full of energy. The club is doing spectacularly well.
“We are looking forward to seeing him well and seeing him safe, even more so. For the national team, it is very important. We are meeting deadlines,” de la Fuente said about Gavi.
As for Ferran, the coach added, “Ferran is injured there is no chance that he will be with us. We have conveyed to him the pain of everyone due to the situation in his homeland. We have to recover everyone because the situation is tough.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
