Topics: Luis de La Fuente, Spain, Switzerland, UEFA Nations League
The Euro 2024 winner states that national teams are not to blame for the lack of player welfare as they are not responsible for the calendar.

Spain's national team boss Luis de La Fuente has hit back at criticism directed at international football over the congested fixtures list, arguing that they are the victims of this conundrum and not the perpetrators.

Questions regarding player welfare have taken center stage over the past few years due to the increase of matches played each season, with Portugal and Man City star Bernardo Silva recently stating that "the schedule is completely crazy".

International football is often seen as a huge factor, with key players regularly picking up knocks and injuries when reporting for national team duty during the season.

This sentiment only grew thanks to the September international break, with several international teams playing their key players despite the shortened break due to Euro 2024 and Copa America.

However, De la Fuente has pushed back, saying international football is not to blame for this issue. The Euro 2024 winner reminded everyone that clubs, FIFA, and UEFA are responsible for the schedule and that national teams merely comply with that decision.

Furthermore, De la Fuente addressed the calls for top players to be rested, saying that it is difficult to do so given the limited amount of games they play in each calendar year. Additionally, the Spain national team boss stated that it would be unfair to other clubs if he rests key players from the elite teams only.

"The calendar is set by the clubs, UEFA and FIFA, not by us," the Furia Roja boss said, as per Goal.

"We just comply with what is established. And it's curious: all the players, all of them, want to come to the national team. And all the clubs, all of them, want their players to come to the national team. I say this with full knowledge of the facts.

"We are victims of the calendar, not responsible. We should give the importance that it deserves to represent your country.

"If a player can't play two full games in September, that's all. And if I only protected those who were from a particular club, it would be very unfair. In general, this matter is quite unfair. I will put in those who I think are the best."

De la Fuente has come under criticism over his usage of the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi — the latter suffered an ACL injury almost a year ago while playing for Spain and subsequently missed Euro 2024.

The continental giants kicked off their UEFA Nations League title defense on Friday, less than two months after beating England in the recent European Championship final. Despite this, the head coach started all but three of the players who were in the lineup in the 2-1 victory over the Three Lions.

That UEFA Nations League opener was against Serbia and it ended in a goalless draw. La Furia Roja return to action this weekend, visiting Switzerland on Sunday. Dani Olmo, one of Spain's star performers at Euro 2024, will be unavailable after returning to Barcelona early due to a minor injury.