De la Fuente: Yamal is out of the match against Iraq, and this doesn't bother me

The Spanish national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, appeared at a press conference ahead of tomorrow's friendly match against the Iraqi national team, as part of both teams' preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

The coach said, "We are very pleased with the attitude and behavior of all the players. The injured are recovering as expected, and we are working in full coordination with the clubs. The players' response is improving day by day, and the good news is that everyone can reach the World Cup in good condition."

Regarding the Riazor Stadium pitch where the match will be held tomorrow: "It's impossible to play at half strength. The news we've received about the pitch confirms that they are working day and night to prepare it, and the pictures we've seen showed a pitch in excellent condition."

Regarding the goalkeeping position: "We want to determine the best option for us. One of the three players who participated in the Champions League final will not be on the list tomorrow. We will see what is best to be in optimal readiness by June 15."

Regarding the transfer market during the World Cup: "I am not bothered by the talk about transfers related to Spanish players. If there is something that needs to be settled, it's better for it to happen early, although I don't think it will affect their focus."

He continued: "Rodri deserves to wear the captain's armband. He has a personality similar to Carvajal or Morata. Rodri or Unai know very well how to perform this role, and we are very comfortable with that."

Regarding the comparison with the 2010 generation: "First, we still have to try to win the World Cup, but I believe we are ready for it. When I hear talk about that generation, I find many similarities with our current team."

He emphasized: "I thank all the players who joined us; they have integrated perfectly. We will try to give as many of them as possible the opportunity to play, but our main goal is to reach June 15 in the best possible condition."

He added about participating in his first World Cup as a coach: "I will experience a historic moment in my career. I feel very happy, not just me but the players and the coaching staff as well. We have tremendous enthusiasm to compete for something important."

Regarding the team's condition: "Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Victor Munoz will not be participating tomorrow. We are confident that Lamine could be ready by June 15. If things continue this way, he might be available, but that doesn't necessarily mean he will participate."

Regarding the main goalkeeper: "I already know who will be the main goalkeeper. I always inform the players of the lineup first. I know who will start the match on June 15, and I almost know the entire lineup, but we have to wait."

Regarding the players in the UEFA Champions League final: "I wish I had lost 15 Champions League finals. Just reaching the final is something to be proud of. They should be very proud of what they have achieved. We will now try to give them even more joy in the World Cup."

Regarding whether the Spanish team is a contender for the World Cup title: "Artificial intelligence is amazing and the future, but I trust people more. There are many teams capable of winning the tournament, such as France, England, Argentina, Brazil, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, and Senegal. It will be a very tough tournament, but we feel that we are capable of competing in it."

He stated: "In football, there are no friendly matches. There are only official and unofficial matches. You cannot step onto the field thinking about not tackling or not fighting for the ball."

He concluded about Marc Bernal: "We are very happy with him. When you work with him, you discover the essence of the player and his true potential. If he continues to work with the same humility and professionalism, he will have a great future."