Why Barcelona star was left out of Spain squad | OneFootball

Spanish national team head coach Luis de la Fuente has provided an insight into his decision not to call Barcelona star Joan García up to his latest squad.

Spain’s list of recruits for the country’s upcoming World Cup qualifying double-header against Bulgaria and Turkey was unveiled earlier today.

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona squad dominated the call-up, with no fewer than seven players called upon.

One Blaugrana star who was overlooked once more, though, was the aforementioned Joan García.

Fresh off a fine start to life between the posts in the colours of new club Barcelona, shot-stopper Joan was widely tipped to be afforded a first-ever senior international call this week.

Speaking to the media in a press conference on Friday, it therefore came as little surprise when the question of why exactly the 24-year-old was left out was put to the aforementioned Luis de la Fuente.

And Spain’s headmaster made use of the opportunity to reassure Joan, in explaining:

“If I’d felt pressure, I would have brought him in. We monitor all the goalkeepers, and Joan could be here now, before, or in the future. And not because he’s at Barça. I want to tell you that players from clubs don’t come here; this is the national team, regardless of the club they come from.

“Let’s not make assumptions about whether 6 or 7 come from one club… Let’s give this importance. Joan’s time will come, for sure.“

Conor Laird – GSFN