Spain head coach, Luis de la Fuente, did not hold back in clarifying his stance after a video surfaced showing Lamine Yamal’s apparent reaction to being substituted during the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday.
The final, played at Munich’s Allianz Arena, saw Spain take the lead through Martin Zubimendi.
However, the advantage was short-lived as Portugal equalized with a thunderous left-footed effort from Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes.
Spain, the reigning European champions, restored their lead just before the break courtesy of Mikel Oyarzabal’s composed finish.
But Portugal hit back once again through veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who made it 2-2 in the 61st minute.
Much of the pre-match buzz centered on the anticipated duel between Yamal and Ronaldo.
However, the 17-year-old Spanish sensation found it tough going against the formidable Mendes and was substituted at the halfway mark of extra time.
Shortly after, Spanish outlet MARCA released footage that appeared to capture a visibly frustrated Yamal reacting to the news of his substitution.
Speaking during his post-match press conference, De la Fuente addressed the decision candidly, “We wanted to give the game a bit more energy.
“The introduction of Yeremy Pino and Alex Baena gave us that energy, that control of the game that we had lost, as well as our finishing and shooting.”
He further emphasized the physical toll on Yamal, saying, “He is tired because he has been competing since Thursday, [and] there has been little rest. He has had a very difficult year.
“He is 17 years old and we have to behave accordingly.
“Today, we understood that it was time to replace him to give another player the opportunity to come in, so that he brings a little more energy.”
Even Cristiano Ronaldo was drawn into the conversation, offering his own take on the coach’s choice.
“Your coach is a phenomenon,” Ronaldo told reporters.
“He knows better than I do what the team needs… I’m not a coach.
“He’s already won several titles with Spain. What more do you want me to say?
“If the coach made the decision, it was because he thought it was the best thing to improve his team.”
