De la Fuente: Players get injured every week, why the fuss over national duty?

Spain's head coach attended the pre-match press conference for the World Cup qualifier at the Valladolid Stadium. In this round, Spain will face Bulgaria, and he responded to the injury issues within the team.

In the two games last month, you didn't make any changes in Starting XIs. Will you do so tomorrow?

These players have given me confidence, and it turns out they all have excellent levels. We'll first see how the players who played last Saturday are doing. I already have an idea, but we'll field a team that is most reassuring and can perform at its best, because tomorrow's game also requires us to give our best.

The opponent is at the bottom of the group standings. How much impact does this have on your preparations?

The opponents won't go easy on us. We won't just send out a team to make do; we want to keep winning. The team is full of fighting spirit, and we will field the right lineup to compete. I think this national team is very appealing. People wearing Spain jerseys can be seen everywhere on the streets, and the atmosphere at the venue will surely be great.

Do you think there will be people who believe that players should withdraw from training as soon as they feel unwell?

We have invested a great deal of time and effort in the players' health. Currently, there have been several special situations that have forced some players to leave the team. In every round of La Liga, players get injured. I don't understand why it becomes a big deal when players get injured while on national team duty. These are actually common occurrences in football.

Do you think there are any players who prioritize the interests of the club?

Absolutely not. Just look at the reactions of the players themselves and their clubs when they are left out. The players know that being selected for the national team is a qualitative leap, and once they join the national team, their personal value multiplies. As for physical discomfort and injuries, that's another matter. In cases of doubt, we always prioritize the players' health.

Gavi was injured precisely in Valladolid. Was that the worst day you've ever had?

I smile because, thankfully, he has overcome his injuries. Although Gavi is now troubled by injuries again, that incident is already in the past. However, in sports, injuries are inevitable. It was a very difficult time, both for him personally and considering his significance to this team and to me. Nevertheless, such trials will make people stronger. Suffering is a part of life and sports, and once Gavi recovers, he will return to us.

What's wrong with Ferran?

I suggest you refer to the reports from Barcelona and the Spanish Football Federation. He is not injured, just feeling a bit under the weather. We need fully fit players, and Ferran is not in top form, so he has been removed from the squad. He will surely be an important part of our team in the future. Maybe he will be back in top form by Wednesday, but not tomorrow.

How are Pedri and Zubimendi?

We will observe the condition of all players. Some recover better, while others are slower. But we want to field a starting lineup most likely to win, which is not easy. Players in October do not think about what will happen in June next year. They are clear about their tasks at hand. They want to play well and become players the country can rely on in the future, but they do not think about June.