"Worse than Koeman", "That guy have something against us" - Barcelona fans unhappy with star's inclusion in Spain XI for Nations League clash
Barcelona fans were livid with Spain boss Luis de la Fuente after the manager picked Lamine Yamal in the starting XI yet again. The 17-year-old winger will start La Roja's UEFA Nations League match against Switzerland at the Stade de Geneve.
Yamal, who recently turned 17, started six out of Spain's seven matches at the 2024 European Championships. He also played 90 minutes in their goalless draw against Serbia on Thursday, September 5.
Spain announced their team for the match against Switzerland on social media.
After the playing XI was announced, social media was abuzz with Barcelona fans blaming the coach for overplaying the teenager.
A user shared their thoughts, accusing De La Fuente of having something against Barcelona.
"That guy have something against us ffs," posted a user.
Another compared De la Fuente to former Barca and current Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman, calling him worse than the Dutchman.
"That bald man is worse than Koeman," another user shared their thoughts.
A user expressed concern for La Masia graduates playing for Spain.
Here are some more reactions from fans:
"Noo I know him he doesn't care about our players," the post read.
"Did y’all really think De la Fuente would rest Lamine Yamal?," the post read.
With Gavi, Fermin Lopez, and Pedri getting injured on international duty, supporters of the Catalan club have plenty of reason to worry about the welfare of their players.
Spain coach's message to Barcelona fans sweating about Lamine Yamal's selection
Lamine Yamal's selection in the squad against Switzerland shouldn't come as a surprise after Spain boss Luis de la Fuente had hinted at playing him in the match. After the goalless draw against Serbia, the manager discussed player welfare with the press.
De la Fuente said that players should expect to play 180 minutes during the international break early on in the season.
“If you can’t play 180 minutes in September, we stop everything,” he said (via Barca Blaugranes). “We are doing what we have to do, representing our country, my duty is to protect all the players, and that’s what I do.”
The Spanish tactician was also asked specifically about Barcelona fans' fears about Yamal being overplayed. He replied that the Barca faithful should consider themselves lucky that they have a player with the talent to "play so many matches for Spain".
“I tell them that it is lucky that they have a player of that level and that he plays so many games for the national team,” he added.
With Yamal already named in the playing XI, Barcelona fans will be hoping he returns to Catalonia without suffering an injury.