Luis de la Fuente insists he has "a clear conscience" after Lamine Yamal's injury while on Spain duty sparked conflict with Barcelona boss Hansi Flick.
Flick criticised Spain's handling of young players after Yamal aggravated a chronic groin injury during the first international break of the season in September.
The teenager was selected for the World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey in November but was released from the squad after Barcelona informed Spain that he needed rest following a procedure on his groin.
De la Fuente admitted he was "surprised" at the time but assures there is no bad blood.
"I understand the role that each one of us has, and that we are going to defend what is ours," De la Fuente told AS.
"I understand his position, as he surely will understand mine, because he was also the coach of his country, Germany. I focus on my responsibility, which is to be Spain's coach, and that means bringing the best to represent our country. This alone justifies any of our decisions.
"And I want to stress that we take care of the health of the players, that it is a priority and that we can demonstrate it. Because when we have had the slightest doubt with Lamine, or with anyone else, he has not played and has returned to his club. I have a clear conscience."
Spain are on a 31-game unbeaten streak, surpassing the run enjoyed across their European Championship successes in 2008 and 2012 and their 2010 World Cup triumph.
La Roja are considered to be the favourites for this year's World Cup, where they have been drawn alongside Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.
"The run highlights the great work of a group of exceptional players, but we still need to win a World Cup," said De la Fuente.
"This generation is capable of challenging for the next one. Going so many games unbeaten shows that we're doing a good job, which reflects the effort of everyone involved.
"We can be world champions. We can, and we will fight to be. But other teams will also try. None of the top teams will be left out, like Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France, Portugal, or Morocco.
"There hasn't been another World Cup with such a wide range of contenders as there will be in the next one."
Cumabpsyz
0
Arda Güler is better than yamal
You de craze
Zunabklmrt
1
Did you actually watched Messi play during what people call his prime Lil bro? Honestly he never really had just one prime though he’s basically been in his prime his entire career, the guy was an absolute beast on the pitch, that’s literally what Guardiola called him, an animal, do you realize how huge it is when your own coach labels you that way? It means you’re relentless. Messi would make a pass to a teammate and then immediately sprint into position to be the one receiving the ball again. He never shies away from challenges, he throws himself into tackles head-on. So please stop trying to compare him to Ronaldo, ronaldo hits the deck the moment someone breathes on him in the 18 yard box while Messi eats contact for breakfast my bro
tell him again always tagging Ronaldo to Messi style of play
zowclmotuy
0
Yamal Juuuu
Zaabcdkry
2
hi
SAVAGE2020
0
Portugal defeated them last yr
That’s not a straight defeat lil bro, that was a full time draw
SAVAGE2020
4
If Yamal is not careful, players and coaches will figure him out on the pitch and find himself on surgery table every other month. He needs to humble himself, conserve energy and learn to escape tackles, just the same way Ronaldo and Messi did. This will help him with longevity in the game. That is how he can join the greats👌
Did you actually watched Messi play during what people call his prime Lil bro? Honestly he never really had just one prime though he’s basically been in his prime his entire career, the guy was an absolute beast on the pitch, that’s literally what Guardiola called him, an animal, do you realize how huge it is when your own coach labels you that way? It means you’re relentless. Messi would make a pass to a teammate and then immediately sprint into position to be the one receiving the ball again. He never shies away from challenges, he throws himself into tackles head-on. So please stop trying to compare him to Ronaldo, ronaldo hits the deck the moment someone breathes on him in the 18 yard box while Messi eats contact for breakfast my bro
muwbcmnou
1
Arda Güler is better than yamal
mumu
zuuacdlruz
0
😂😂😂😂😂😂
Arda guler sucks 👎
zuuacdlruz
1
Lamine Yamal 👑
zuuacdlruz
1
😂😂😂😂😂😂
Hesbclmnop
1
next time next play rialmadric
DMICHAELSinc
3
If Yamal is not careful, players and coaches will figure him out on the pitch and find himself on surgery table every other month. He needs to humble himself, conserve energy and learn to escape tackles, just the same way Ronaldo and Messi did. This will help him with longevity in the game. That is how he can join the greats👌
zeuabdeklr
1
Arda Güler is better than yamal
Guler is a learner when yamal dey
heueikmoy
2
yamal is a very good player why hate let us enjoy the beautiful game
cawdekmuz
1
Arda Güler is best
You’re sick in your head
Lezaklnrst
1
Portugal defeated them last yr
Suarezzy
0
bang average. He shouldn't be called up
that guy is just hiding behind Barca ,he is banged average, no single quality as a full back
Belgium4816075
1
Arda Güler is better than yamal
Belgium4816075
1
Arda Güler is best
Pureface12
0
Pedro porro, Llorente all can do better at right back. Balde isn't even going to make that squad. Spain has Cucurella, Grimaldo and Carreras all above him in the pecking order
I agree to all what you said except one, Carreras is not above Balde in that set up
rouemnosty
0
Not with, but below Olise
Over rating will limit Yamal. This is out of love and not hatred.
Naadilntz
1
🤪🤪 i🤪🤪🤪👏👏🏍️🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇦🇱🇨
Jaaaeiktuz
0
jami
Jaaaeiktuz
0
obena
Jaaaeiktuz
0
iuand me
Jaaaeiktuz
3
john
wawabcmsyz
0
If the manager Spain use Balde as Right back be great and fantastic
[image]
Pedro porro, Llorente all can do better at right back. Balde isn't even going to make that squad. Spain has Cucurella, Grimaldo and Carreras all above him in the pecking order
wawabcmsyz
0
balde won't even make spain team C ,he is average
bang average. He shouldn't be called up
GaddafiJamal
0
Not with, but below Olise
& Vini Below Yamal 🤣🤣🤣
Suarezzy
0
Spain has great defense and goalkeepers but not use it especially defense Balde able as center back also Huijson also able to play as Right back
[image]
balde won't even make spain team C ,he is average
Litelntz
1
BE HUMBLE EEH DE LA FUCKEREE
kandmopty
0
Spain has great defense and goalkeepers but not use it especially defense Balde able as center back also Huijson also able to play as Right back
IdrisAdamu007
0
So why is no one talking about Olise
Olise is average just like your star man mbappe
kandmopty
1
If the manager Spain use Balde as Right back be great and fantastic
IdrisAdamu007
0
Not with, but below Olise
Pain is that you
rouemnosty
6
So why is no one talking about Olise
rouemnosty
3
Not with, but below Olise
zazbeilnps
3
Ilove you yamal