logo
De la Fuente reveals why he took off Lamine Yamal in Spain's defeat to Portugal

De la Fuente reveals why he took off Lamine Yamal in Spain's defeat to Portugal

Metroa day ago

Luis de la Fuente says he brought off a 'tired' Lamine Yamal in Spain's Nations League final defeat to Portugal as he needed to inject some 'energy' into his side.
Sunday night's showpiece had been widely billed as a meeting between five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo and 17-year-old Barcelona sensation Yamal – one of the frontrunners for this year's prize.
And it was Ronaldo's Portugal who eventually prevailed, but it took extra-time and penalties to decide the victors after an absorbing contest at Munich's Allianz Arena.
Nuno Mendes cancelled out Martin Zubimendi's opener with a superb low strike beyond Unai Simon in the 26th minute, only for Mikel Oyarzabal to restor Spain's advantage at the end of a frantic first half.
But Ronaldo outmuscled Marc Cucurella to find an equaliser for the Portuguese just past the hour mark before Roberto Martinez's men came out on top via a nerve-shredding shootout.
An emotional Ronaldo was pictured in floods of tears as Portugal secured the title for a second time, six years after winning the inaugural tournament in 2019.
Meanwhile, Yamal and Co were lift to lick their wounds, with the teenager clearly less than impressed to be taken off for Yeremy Pino midway through extra-time in Germany.
'We wanted to give the game a bit more energy,' De la Fuente told reporters at his post-match press conference when quizzed on the decision.
'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.'
De la Fuente believes Yamal was showing signs of fatigue after a long and gruelling season, in which the youngster had made 62 appearances in all competitions for club and country.
'He is tired because he has been competing since Thursday, there has been little rest. He has had a very difficult year,' the Spanish head coach added.
'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.'
LAMINE YAMAL EXPLODES AFTER BEING SUBBED OFF!😡🚨This was the Spanish player's reaction after being taken out by Luis de la Fuente—he threw his bottle and clearly showed his frustration with the decision!❌What could've happened if he had stayed on the pitch?🤔#LamineYamal pic.twitter.com/IkkHGPsBgj — MARCA in English 🇺🇸 (@MARCAinENGLISH) June 8, 2025
Ronaldo urged fans to give Yamal the time and space he needs to develop at his own pace prior to the clash.
Speaking in the mixed zone after Portugal's victory, he repeated the sentiment, while backing the winger to enjoy a 'very long career' at the top.
'He's going to win a lot of titles, both collective and individual,' the 40-year-old Portuguese captain told Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
'He's only 17 years old… I repeat: he's a kid with a lot of room for improvement.
'He's a phenomenon, but we have to leave him alone, that's what I ask.
'He has a very long career ahead of him and will surely win the Nations League many times.' More Trending
On De la Fuente's decision to bring Yamal off, Ronaldo replied: 'Your coach is a phenomenon.
'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.'
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Football fan dies after falling from stand during Portugal v Spain final
MORE: Portugal vs Spain TV channel and live stream: How to watch Nations League final in the UK tonight
MORE: Franck Ribery hits back at Cristiano Ronaldo over Ballon d'Or claim

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Transfer news LIVE: Man City COMPLETE £34m Cherki deal just as window slams SHUT, Chelsea's new Gittens bid REJECTED
Transfer news LIVE: Man City COMPLETE £34m Cherki deal just as window slams SHUT, Chelsea's new Gittens bid REJECTED

Scottish Sun

time18 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

Transfer news LIVE: Man City COMPLETE £34m Cherki deal just as window slams SHUT, Chelsea's new Gittens bid REJECTED

Canary off Norwich City winger Borja Sainz could be heading to Porto. The Championship club has turned down bids from both the Portuguese club and Napoli but are holding out for a deal of about £17m. Porto are in the Club World Cup and they had been hoping to secure a deal before today's transfer deadline so Sainz could play in the United States but that transfer now looks unlikely to happen immediately. Even so, despite Napoli's offer, Porto are still favourites to sign a player who scored 19 goals for Norwich last season although 16 came in the first half of the season. Bilbao have also been interested in Sainz, 24, as he comes from the Basque region so qualifies under their strict rules of eligibility. Sainz arrived from Turkish club Giresunspor on a free transfer in 2023 and has just one year left on his contract so he will definitely leave Carrow Road. In January, Sainz was suspended for six matches after admitting to spitting at Sunderland's Chris Mepham. At the time, he was the Championship's leading scorer and was also fined £12,000 by the Football Association for the incident which took place in Norwich's 2-1 defeat at the Stadium of Light in December. Norwich striker Josh Sargent also looks set to leave although the club have had no bids. Leeds are interested with manager Daniel Farke having managed Sargent when he was Canaries manager.

Jobe Bellingham ‘already plotting move to Real Madrid to join brother Jude' after completing £31m Dortmund transfer
Jobe Bellingham ‘already plotting move to Real Madrid to join brother Jude' after completing £31m Dortmund transfer

Scottish Sun

time18 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

Jobe Bellingham ‘already plotting move to Real Madrid to join brother Jude' after completing £31m Dortmund transfer

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JOB BELLINGHAM is already plotting a move to Real Madrid following his Borussia Dortmund transfer, according to reports. The midfielder has completed a £27million switch to Borussia Dortmund. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Jobe Bellingham has completed a transfer to Borussia Dortmund Credit: Instagram @bvb09 3 He could follow brother Jude to Real Madrid Credit: INSTAGRAM @judebellingham That makes him the fourth most expensive player in the club's history - just ahead of older brother Jude. In his announcement video Bellingham played down the idea he is following in his brother's footsteps. But Spanish outlet Marca report the 19-year-old is already eyeing a switch to Real Madrid, just as Jude did two years ago. They claim Jude's knowledge of the club and success at Dortmund where key factors in Bellingham's decision to sign. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL MIC SWAP Carrick takes up new offer alongside Man Utd icon O'Shea just days after Boro axe Bellingham's debut for Dortmund will likely come in the Club World Cup. The teenager will wear number 77 for his new club, sporting his first name 'Jobe' on the rear of his shirt to avoid the weight of his surname. He has penned a five-year deal and his fee could rise to £32m if add-ons are met. Bellingham penned an emotional goodbye to the Sunderland fans in an open letter on his Instagram. 3 It read: "Dear Sunderland, it's time for me to say farewell to all the loyal people of Sunderland, who have powered me through two incredible years in Red and White. "Your support, on so many occasions, has completely blown me away, especially in the times of adversity which we pulled through together. Jobe Bellingham takes swipe at Sky Sports pundits in live TV interview before awkward moment with panel at Wembley You welcomed me with open arms as a kid leaving home for the first time, and I am proud that our relationship has grown to be so strong ever since. "Your support for the team and I since I arrived at your beloved club was unwavering, and for that I am forever indebted to you as people and supporters. "I will always represent Wearside in all that I strive to achieve for the rest of my career, wherever that may be. "I hope that I have made you proud along the way, and in return you have made me the player that has reached the heights I find myself at today. So thank you. "I will love and remember you fondly for the rest of my life, from the bottom of my heart. "I tried to embody the passion you have for the city on the football pitch and I'm so incredibly delighted that our journey came to an end with a victory at Wembley to restore the club in its rightful place. "To the staff, players & most importantly the supporters thank you so much & good luck for the future. "Jobe, Adopted Mackem."

Rayan Cherki signs for Manchester City on five-year deal
Rayan Cherki signs for Manchester City on five-year deal

Rhyl Journal

time20 minutes ago

  • Rhyl Journal

Rayan Cherki signs for Manchester City on five-year deal

The 21-year-old moves after an impressive season with Lyon in which he scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists in 40 appearances. He also made an eye-catching debut for France last week when he came off the bench and scored in a 5-4 Nations League loss to Spain. Cherki has put pen to paper on a five-year deal which will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2030. We're delighted to announce the signing of Rayan Cherki ✍️🩵 — Manchester City (@ManCity) June 10, 2025 He said: 'This is a dream for me. Honestly, to be joining a club like Manchester City and have the opportunity to make the next step in my career here is something very, very special. 'I have worked so hard for this all my life. I love this sport, and I can't wait to develop further here in Manchester with Pep (Guardiola) and his backroom staff. 'Everyone knows how good City are – they have been so successful for many years now. The responsibility to help the team continue winning is something I want to embrace. 'I would only leave Lyon for a project I really believe in and everything at City suggests I can develop my game and help the team be successful in the future. I can't wait to show City fans what I can do.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store