Baena backs De la Fuente over Yamal decision: ‘There are no privileges’

Alex Baena has defended Spain manager Luis de la Fuente’s handling of Lamine Yamal, insisting the Barcelona winger has not been given preferential treatment by the national team.

The Atletico Madrid midfielder said Yamal’s omission from the previous squad was the result of physical discomfort after a match at the Metropolitano, rather than any disciplinary or selection issue.

Baena was speaking at a news conference before Spain’s Nations League match against England on Sunday, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

Asked whether he would accept Yamal receiving special treatment, Baena said: “Yes, but he has not been given any privileges. He finished the match at the Metropolitano with some pain, underwent medical examinations and that was the end of it. If at any point we had to give him preferential treatment, all the players would understand.”

The 25-year-old also sought to play down the attention surrounding De la Fuente’s decision, saying the level of interest was largely driven by factors outside the squad.

“We have to understand that we have never had a player who has attracted as much attention as Lamine Yamal,” Baena said. “But I believe Luis de la Fuente would have acted in exactly the same way with any other player. The fuss comes more from outside than from within the national team.”

Baena added that the atmosphere in Spain’s dressing room reflected how calmly the players had viewed the situation.

He also described England as one of the strongest teams in international football and said the two sides were currently at the top of the game.

“I think that, alongside England, we are the two best teams in the world,” he said. “England are the most ready at the moment and have a group of outstanding players.”

Asked about England captain Harry Kane, who has recently won the Ballon d’Or, Baena admitted he would have preferred a Spanish player or Yamal to receive the award. However, he said Kane’s victory was deserved.

Baena identified Kane and Jude Bellingham as two of England’s main threats.

“Kane and Bellingham are among the best players in their positions,” he said. “We have to be careful of their ability to drive directly towards goal and give them special attention.”

Baena also reflected on his own development after facing criticism when he was selected for Spain’s World Cup squad. The midfielder, who comes from Almeria, acknowledged that his previous season had not been the best of his career but said De la Fuente had continued to trust him.

“I think it is understandable that people criticised the decision to call me up,” he said. “I have always admitted that my season was not the best. But the manager always trusted me, and I gave 100%. I also contribute a lot to creating a positive atmosphere within the group.”

Baena said the World Cup had helped him make a breakthrough and that he was now enjoying the best spell of his career.

Spain are also determined to extend their unbeaten run, which has given them the longest undefeated sequence in their history.

“We attach great importance to it,” Baena said. “None of us likes losing, and it is important to see how far we can go.”