When Merit Trumps Club Pressure: Spain’s Coach Explains Balde and Carreras Omission

Context of Spain's Selection Decisions

Spain's head coach, Luis de la Fuente, stressed that omitting Alejandro Balde and Álvaro Carreras from the latest squad carries no hidden agenda and that selection decisions are taken without undue club influence—whether from Barcelona or Real Madrid. The guiding criterion remains current form and readiness, not narratives brewing in the stands.

In comments tied to ongoing discussions about the left-back role, De la Fuente emphasized that every club is glad to have its players called to the national team, and he knows of no player who wouldn’t want to answer the call. He framed the national team as a global platform that adds value and recognition for both player and club.

The Coach's Bottom Line on Balde, Carreras, and Future Call-Ups

He added with firmness: “I am fully shielded against comments. Our decisions are ours, and I call up who I think is best,” signaling a clear rebuke to requests from Barcelona to include Balde or to open the door for Carreras at Real Madrid.

De la Fuente noted that both players remain in his long-term considerations: “Balde has been with me before, Carreras hasn’t, but he has played with the youth teams. Both are in the initial squad and delivering very good levels.”

He also underscored that ongoing selections will depend on direct competition, saying, “As long as I see other players delivering better performances, they will continue to be called up,” pointing to continued reliance on Marc Cucurella and Alejandro Grimaldo.

The coach closed with a sober reminder that the World Cup road will hold surprises: “I hope I’m wrong, but there will surely be absences,” indicating the squad list will stay open until the last moments, with no name guaranteed regardless of weight or club.

In short, Spain’s camp signals flexibility as the World Cup approaches, with the door left ajar for changes and new evaluations as the season progresses.

Punchline 1: De La Fuente’s decisions are on target; the press can aim all they want, but the bullseye stays on performance.

Punchline 2: If the World Cup camp were a firing range, Balde and Carreras would be warming up—the cue for the next call could arrive right on cue, or fashionably late.