De la Fuente: "Speaking from ignorance is the saddest and most lamentable thing"

De la Fuente defended Lamine Yamal against suggestions he sought to avoid selection, clarifying the winger is recovering from knee fluid and inflammation and will rejoin the squad Friday.

Former Spain manager Luis de la Fuente held a press conference ahead of Friday's Nations League match against the Czech Republic, where he addressed criticism of Lamine Yamal's absence from recent squad activities.

De la Fuente expressed frustration at what he called "speaking from ignorance," defending the Barcelona winger against insinuations that Yamal had deliberately withdrawn from selection. He explained that Yamal sustained a knee injury with fluid and inflammation, and that the medical team—both Spain's and Barcelona's—recommended rest.

"We decided the best thing would be for him to stay at home, training with his club, and rejoin us on Friday," De la Fuente said.

The manager also dismissed suggestions that Yamal receives special privileges, stating: "He has no privilege. We would have done the same with anyone. It's football, injuries happen." De la Fuente emphasized his frustration with misinformation and lack of rigor in reporting, saying he provides detailed explanations to counter false narratives.

He also praised goalkeeper Unai Simón as "the best goalkeeper in the world" and discussed Spain's 43-match unbeaten run, expressing ambition to extend it further.