Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has spoken out after naming his final squad for Euro 2024, one that does not include Barcelona teenager Pau Cubarsi.
Girona’s Aleix García and Atlético Madrid’s Marcos Llorente have also been left out, and De la Fuente says it’s been a tough decision to make.
“I want to thank you for your behavior and attitude, which have made us better,” he told the trio.
“My [Cubarsi] decision has only had to do with the senior team, not with the Games.
“By valuing Pau, I want to value those who remain and the respect they deserve.
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has spoken out after naming his final squad for Euro 2024, one that does not include Barcelona teenager Pau Cubarsi.
Girona’s Aleix García and Atlético Madrid’s Marcos Llorente have also been left out, and De la Fuente says it’s been a tough decision to make.
“I want to thank you for your behavior and attitude, which have made us better,” he told the trio. “Everyone would have been useful. This morning when we said goodbye my feeling is that I have been unfair, but each one has different characteristics and all of them could have been among the 26, but we have to leave three and we have to make decisions.”
De la Fuente also insisted that his decision on Cubarsi is not to do with the Olympics, with reports claiming Barcelona only want him to play in one tournament this summer.
“My [Cubarsi] decision has only had to do with the senior team, not with the Games. What comes next will be decided by Santi Denia, the Olympic coach,” he added. “By valuing Pau, I want to value those who remain and the respect they deserve. There are four different center-backs, but all with a higher level.”
Cubarsi will obviously be disappointed but will surely enjoy far more tournaments in his career and can now enjoy a well-deserved break.
