"It is a mistake to compare Lamine Yamal to Messi"

Recently renewed until 2028, Luis de la Fuente is calmly facing the next few years at the helm of the Spanish national team. After winning the European Championship, he is focusing on the final phase of the Nations League that lies ahead in March. With the happiness of continuing in what he says is his home and with the conviction to continue adding successes, as he said in his chat with ‘El Partidazo de COPE’.

The Spanish coach confirmed that there are players who have not been called up to the national team and who he likes a lot this season: "Yes, but I'm not going to name names. They are emerging, those who don't start playing in September, but in November or December they perform at a high level. Especially in our country, in our competition. Players who are joining the cause and who we can use. Although there are plenty of Spaniards and they are very good, in March, many who could be in the squad may have physical problems that will prevent them from playing.

In his position, he is better suited to a coach like Flick who gives opportunities to home-grown players than another like Ancelotti: "What we want is for there to be Spaniards eligible for selection. We welcome the fact that the more players there are in the competition... the better. It's good news for Spanish football and for the players. I welcome it. I'm a great admirer of great coaches and I think Ancelotti is one of them. Flick too. In Spain we have the best in the world".

The Lamine Yamal-Messi debate: "It is a mistake to compare them. Lamine has his personality, his qualities and his ability to develop his football potential, but he is 17 years old. We have to be careful. The first ones who are going to beat him with the fiercest will be you, who a few weeks earlier were saying he was the best. That's how it works. You have to be cautious. I'm sure that in his club they are training him to withstand this criticism. He has to be prudent and humble enough to accept the praise normally.

"The national team values all footballers. All those who come through have the boost they need to be recognised at world level. Lamine took advantage of it and developed his full potential in an event as important as a European Championship. His value was multiplied by many times and that is a great merit of the work they do here," he concluded.

 

January 27, 2025