Spain boss defends Lamine Yamal's 'right to party'

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has defended Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal against heavy media scrutiny, saying he has been "treated very unfairly" and praising the young player's ability to stay happy amid criticism. "When people start focusing on things like partying, turning 18...

It really hurts me that it's always valued whether a footballer has a car or a girlfriend," the coach said. De la Fuente stressed the unseen work behind Yamal's performances, outlining a demanding daily routine and a level of discipline few witness. "He does all that because he trains for three hours a day, then an hour with a personal trainer, a psychologist, a nutritionist, a rehabilitation specialist, and then there's the 'invisible' training," he added, arguing that such effort earns a player the right to enjoy downtime.

The manager also spoke about the wider squad, describing a close, family atmosphere that helps players such as Yamal, Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Morata cope with pressure.

Spain, Barcelona

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