Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has defended his controversial World Cup squad selection after leaving out every Real Madrid player for the first time in the nation’s history.
The Spaniard named his 26-man group ahead of this summer’s tournament, but there was no place for a single star from the Bernabeu following a disappointing campaign for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side.
Real ended the season without a major trophy and finished eight points behind fierce rivals Barcelona in the La Liga title race.
Defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were among the notable absentees as De la Fuente instead placed his trust in several Barcelona stars and Premier League-based players.
The decision immediately sparked debate across Spain, with questions raised over whether Real’s underwhelming season had influenced selection calls.
But De la Fuente insisted club allegiance played no part in his thinking.
“I don’t look at one club or another,” the Spain boss said. “I don’t have that local bias a fan might have. For me, it’s more global.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has defended his controversial World Cup squad selection after leaving out every Real Madrid player for the first time in the nation’s history
|
GETTY
“The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team.”
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal was included despite concerns surrounding his fitness after missing the final month of the season with a torn hamstring suffered in April.
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams also retained his place despite recently battling his own injury problems.
Every team to have won the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWS
De la Fuente attempted to ease fears over the condition of both players before Spain begin their World Cup campaign next month.
“We’re very relaxed,” he said. “Barring any setbacks, we’ll have everyone available from the very first match.”
Spain begin the tournament against Cape Verde on June 15 before further Group H clashes against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino was also included after recently returning from a four-month absence with a stress fracture in his foot.
He is joined in the squad by fellow Premier League stars David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Pedro Porro, Marc Cucurella, Rodri and Yeremy Pino.
Lamine Yamal has been named in Spain’s World Cup squad
| GETTY
There were also maiden call-ups for Barcelona defender Eric Garcia and Atletico Madrid full-back Marc Pubill following impressive seasons in La Liga.
Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez, however, missed out after suffering a broken foot last week.
Despite the scrutiny surrounding the absence of Real Madrid representation, De la Fuente insisted excitement around the national side remains high across the country.
“Excitement is the key word. Passion,” he said. “The reaction of people all over Spain – adults and children alike – is that they are fully behind the national team.”
