Spanish national team head coach Luis de la Fuente issued a nonchalant response when drawn on the recent criticism aimed in his direction by Barcelona counterpart Hansi Flick.
Blaugrana headmaster Flick of course caught the headlines in the aftermath of the recent international break.
As much came after the German refused to bite his tongue when drawn on the injury suffered by Lamine Yamal.
After the 18-year-old returned from international duty with Spain sporting a groin problem, Flick questioned La Roja’s persistent use of his attacking prodigy:
“It’s a shame. He already left here in pain. They gave him painkillers and he played 73 and 79 minutes (against Bulgaria and Turkey). And between games, he didn’t train. That’s not taking care of the players. Spain has the best players and the best national team, but they haven’t taken care of the players and that’s all I can say. I’m very disappointed.”
Facing the media on Thursday, the subject of these comments was in turn put to Luis de la Fuente himself.
In quotes cited by Diario Sport, however, the Spaniard moved to play the subject down, assuring:
“Today, in my homeland, at the moment I don’t remember what Flick said, nor am I interested.”
Conor Laird – GSFN
