Spain manager Luis de la Fuente reportedly called Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal to resolve any issue with Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal. He wants the two to talk privately and fix their differences after a heated El Clasico.
According to a report in El Nacional, De La Fuente has urged Carvajal and Yamal to talk things over, but both players have refused to talk so far. Rumors have suggested that the Barcelona star has unfollowed the Real Madrid defender on Instagram.
Carvajal was visibly furious with Yamal and confronted the teenager after Los Blancos' 2-1 win in El Clasico. The defender was unimpressed with the winger's "cheat and steal" comments, through which he accused Real Madrid of manipulating the referees.
De la Fuente is expected to name his squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey, and both players are expected to make the list. They are key parts of the Spain starting XI, and play on the same wing, making their communication crucial for the team's success.
The Spain boss expects Dani Carvajal to step up as the experienced star and solve the issue. He was reportedly not happy with the defender's refusal to shake hands at the end of the game and for hitting out at Lamine Yamal at full-time.
Barcelona star blames Dani Carvajal for Lamine Yamal issue
Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong questioned Dani Carvajal for not talking to Lamine Yamal in private and getting involved in a public spat after El Clasico. He believes that the Real Madrid defender could have resolved the issue in private but chose to react on the pitch.
He said (via GOAL):
"I didn't see what happened. I was on the bench and saw a lot of people [rush over]. Then the referee blew his whistle, Real Madrid players went after Lamine. It's a bit exaggerated. You'd have to ask them. In the first half, we weren't sharp with the ball.
"Madrid hurt with their players up front. In the second half, we lacked the ability to create danger and clear chances. If Carvajal wanted to speak with Lamine, call him or text him. You're [Spain] teammates, you know each other. Why do you have to make a scene on the pitch?"
Dani Carvajal and Lamine Yamal have played 14 matches together for Spain, and are yet to lose a match together in normal time. They have combined for one goal - the defender's strike in the 3-0 win over Croatia in UEFA EURO 2024.