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In a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente opened up about a wide range of topics, including several Barcelona players as well as the team’s progress this season.
The 63-year-old, who led Spain to Nations League and European Championship titles, notably heaping praise on Barcelona’s latest signing, Lamine Yamal.
De la Fuente on Lamine Yamal
“Lamine represents something different in the national team’s game. He will have moments that will be very difficult, in which he will be questioned. He has gone down in football history and that is when he will have to be supported,” de la Fuente said when asked about Yamal.
The Spaniard essentially warned young Yamal that there might be difficult moments in his career, suggesting that it would be essential to maintain resolve.
De la Fuente, though, went on to heap praise on the Barça talent, even stating that he was a ‘magic wand of god’.
“I say that he is touched by that magic wand of God. These are players who, at 17 years old, have nothing to do with a boy of his age. They are much more mature, with a very important degree of responsibility, who interpret and accept any situation,” he said.
“I have also seen these footballers who have fallen by the wayside. Don’t make the mistake of wanting to walk faster than you have to, you can spoil it,” he warned.
Talking about Lamine-Nico’s connection to the national team, the coach stated, “It has been a joy and great news for Spanish football.”
De la Fuente on Pedri and Gavi
De la Fuente went on to talk about another Barcelona youngster in Pedri, who has been in scintillating form this season, showcasing exceptional athleticism and fitness.
“He is one of my project players. The kind of player who debuted with me when he was very young in the U-21s. He is the kind of player who catches your attention, and who is also special,” he said.
Luis de la Fuente rates Barcelona players highly (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
“It hurts me when talented players have injuries, suffer those inconveniences, those setbacks that slow down their progress, and Pedri has suffered a lot,” he added.
De la Fuente further added that Pedri’s fitness woes will only add to his resolve in the long run.
“But I think that in the long run, he will realise that this has helped him to mature, to become a better professional every day, to be a player who will enjoy every moment much more. It will make him an even better player and person,” he stated.
De la Fuente also talked about Gavi, particularly in the context of criticism faced after the midfielder picked up an injury while on international duty last year.
“I was annoyed that people took advantage of this situation that has been shown to have been an accident, the same thing that is unfortunately happening now with the injuries of Rodrigo, Carvajal or Ter Stegen. This is football,” he said.
When asked about the ‘fewer international games’ debate, he replied, “Let’s sit down, let the world of football sit down, with the footballers and the clubs to assess whether fewer games should be played.”
De la Fuente on Dani Olmo
The Spain coach was all praises for Barcelona’s latest signing Dani Olmo as well, especially after an excellent start to the campaign, though his progress was halted by an injury.
Regarding how he sees Olmo, de la Fuente said, “I absolutely support him. I have always said that Spanish players are the best in the world when it comes to understanding football, technical conditions, and the game overall.”
“People are surprised and what surprises me is that they didn’t realise Dani Olmo’s level much earlier. Or the same thing happens with Pedri. Look, I’m talking about the footballers that you have there in Barcelona.
“Fermín, Gavi – my goodness, they are the best in the world in their position. And specifically, both Dani and these players are insatiable in terms of sport. They want more every day,” he added.
“Where is their ceiling? Well, wherever God wants. They are going to want more every day. They are going to reach very high, because they are, believe me, very good,” he further said.
De la Fuente on Iniesta
Finally, de la Fuente was asked about Andres Iniesta, who has recently announced retirement from professional football.
“Yes, let me remember Andrés Iniesta. “I think the legacy he has left behind is absolutely impressive, exceptional. Not only in terms of his sporting achievements but also how he has achieved them,” he said.
“I really liked that expression of seeing people happy. That is what we were looking for the day we started this journey. That identification of the people, recovering that spirit of 2010. And to a greater or lesser extent, it has been recovered,” he concluded.
