Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has advised young winger Lamine Yamal to prepare for physical play after he was targeted during the team’s 1-0 UEFA Nations League victory over Denmark on Saturday.
The 17-year-old Barcelona star faced several strong tackles and was seen limping back to the team bus following the match.
“You have to apply the toughness that the rules allow,” De la Fuente said at a news conference when asked about the challenges Yamal faced. “There is a referee to enforce the limits. Opponents often try to intimidate young players with his talent and seek out contact.”
He emphasized the need for referees to protect gifted players, while also noting that Yamal must adapt to the physical nature of the sport. “I would love for it to be a bed of roses, but this sport is not like that.”
De la Fuente praised Yamal’s performance, stating, “Lamine displayed an exceptional attitude and created many opportunities for us from the right flank. He has special talent. A teammate once said, ‘What do you want, kisses from the opponents?’ Teams will use whatever means they can within the rules.”
Denmark’s Victor Kristiansen received a yellow card for a foul on Yamal late in the match, indicating his intention to show he wasn’t intimidated by the young player.
Sources close to the Spanish national team downplayed concerns about Yamal’s limp ahead of Tuesday’s Nations League match against Serbia. However, a statement from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed that he has returned to Barcelona and will not participate in that game.
