Czech coach ahead of Spain clash: Yamal’s absence doesn’t make me happy; we must play perfectly

Czechia coach Santi Denia said he was not happy that Lamine Yamal would miss their Nations League match against Spain, adding that his team would need to perform perfectly in defence, attack and set pieces to win.

Yamal will miss the match because of discomfort in his right knee and a lack of physical readiness, after Spain coach Luis de la Fuente opted to leave him out in the hope that he would be ready to face England. Mikel Oyarzabal will also miss the match.

Denia explained that fans want to watch Spain’s players, and that his team was waiting to see the lineup and how Spain would perform in the match. He added that his players were not suffering from any injuries. He stressed the need to prepare defensively and work as a team rather than get drawn into individual duels.

Denia praised Fermín López, whom he had previously coached with Spain’s Olympic team, which won gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and said he was enjoying a wonderful spell. He added that he knew Spain’s players, but forgot that once the match began, and hoped their winning run would continue after the match against Czechia.