Spanish national team head coach Luis de la Fuente has moved to throw his backing behind Barcelona star Gavi.
This comes amid something of a backlash against the young midfielder over the last 48 hours. Youngster Gavi was at the heart of a head-turning moment caught on camera in Spain’s training session on Saturday.
The moment in question saw the 21-year-old stand heavily on the foot of midfield partner Rodri, during a match between ranks.
The latter immediately looked at his young teammate in bemusement, before going to ground in pain. Gavi, for his part, was quick to apologise, with Rodri having soon returned to his feet to continue the session.
And yet, despite the evident accidental nature of the challenge, fans were quick to criticise the Barcelona man for hurting a leading member of his country’s ranks so close to the World Cup being kicked into gear.
Speaking during an exchange with the media on Monday, the subject of Gavi’s tackle was therefore put to manager Luis de la Fuente.
And La Roja’s headmaster made use of the opportunity to defend his all-action midfielder:
“This is football, it’s training. The players give everything and nobody has to apologise to anyone. Everything is fine. Gavi has energy and drive. He has to learn to control it, but this is exactly the Gavi I want to see.”
Conor Laird – GSFN
