‘Both Sides Want What’s Best for Lamine Yamal’ – Dani Olmo Denies Dressing-Room Tension Amid Barcelona–Spain Feud Over Winger’s Injury

Lamine Yamal Withdrawal Sparks Confusion as Dani Olmo Plays Down Tension

If you’ve been following the latest ripple of drama between Barcelona and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), you’ll know that Lamine Yamal has once again become the lightning rod for friction between club and country. Yet inside the Spain camp, according to Dani Olmo, everything is far calmer than the headlines suggest. In fact, the Barça midfielder insists that “both sides want what’s best for the player”, downplaying any sense of a fractured dressing room or strained atmosphere.

The controversy this time began when Yamal — called up for Spain’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey — underwent an invasive radiofrequency procedure to address lingering pubic discomfort. The twist? The treatment happened on the very day he was supposed to report to the national team. The RFEF said it was left surprised, even blindsided, claiming there had been “no prior communication” from Barça’s medical staff.

For a brief moment, it felt like September all over again — the month when Hansi Flick publicly accused the federation of mishandling Yamal after he returned from international duty injured. Back then, tensions ran high. Now, with Yamal again unavailable and the chatter rising, questions understandably resurfaced.

But Olmo wasn’t having any of it.

Speaking from Spain’s training camp, in a relaxed tone that contradicted the news cycle frenzy, the creative midfielder said he simply doesn’t see the supposed tension that outsiders are talking about. Inside, he says, the vibe is steady, focused, and — most importantly — united around the players’ well-being.

Dani Olmo Denies Dressing-Room Strain: “Inside, Everything Is Normal”

Olmo has always been one of the more thoughtful, level-headed voices whether at Barça or within the national setup, and once again he tried to inject some common sense into the situation. He emphasized repeatedly that players aren’t caught in the crossfire of institutional disagreements.

“I don’t think we experience that much tension from within,” he explained. “In the end, both the club and the national team always look out for what’s best for the player. I haven’t seen any problems on either side.”

It’s a refreshing perspective, especially when clubs and federations so often fight over player management, schedules, workloads, and recovery plans. And Olmo knows the complexities well — he himself missed the last international call-up due to a muscle issue and has only recently eased back into rhythm for Barça.

He also reminded everyone of something quite simple, yet easily forgotten: elite footballers need to be at 100% to play. No cutting corners. No wishful thinking.

“If Lamine isn’t at 100% right now, then there’s no problem. He’s important for Barça, and he’s important for the national team. We need him fully fit, and if he’s not, he’s not.”

Straightforward, honest, and without drama — even if the story outside tries very hard to drum it up.

Olmo also made a point to highlight the unique media bubble that surrounds Barcelona. “Barça always generates a lot of talk,” he said with a knowing smile. Inside the team environment, though? “Everything is completely normal.”

Olmo Feeling Strong Again After Injury: “I Know My Body Well”

FBL-EUR-C1-BRUGGE-BARCELONA

Beyond the Yamal situation, Olmo gave some insight into his own physical preparation. Anyone who has followed his career — from La Masia to Zagreb to Leipzig — knows he is meticulous about his body. He discussed the importance of maintaining a strict fitness regimen that blends physiotherapy, gym work, diet control, and even a personal chef to keep everything aligned.

“I know my body very well; I know what I need,” he said. It’s a reminder of how fragile, yet precise, the life of an elite athlete can be. One small imbalance and everything can shift.

Fortunately for Spain, Olmo’s recovery seems right on track. He’s now played three matches for Barça since returning from injury and feels he’s getting sharper each week. “I feel great, very comfortable. Training hard, ready to return to my best.”

Spain will need him, especially with Yamal out and with World Cup qualification on the line.

A New, Familiar Role With Spain

Interestingly, Olmo talked about his tactical role in the national team — a position he describes as closer to his Leipzig days than his current usage under Flick at Barcelona. It’s a role that allows him to drift between the lines, help orchestrate build-up play, and occupy various advanced zones.

He feels free in that position — and it shows.

“Both De la Fuente and Hansi know me and know what I can contribute,” he said. “Whether it’s as a number 10, more central, or in advanced areas. I’m lucky to feel comfortable in multiple positions.”

That versatility has always been one of Olmo’s calling cards, and Spain may need every bit of it in the upcoming qualifiers.

What Next for Lamine Yamal, Barcelona, and Spain?

FC Barcelona v Real Betis – Copa del Rey

So what happens now for Yamal? The teenage sensation will stay in Barcelona to continue recovering from pubalgia — an injury that requires careful, patient management. Barça hope to have him ready for their upcoming league match against Athletic Club on November 22.

But what matters even more is long-term coordination. Yamal is 17 years old, uniquely talented, and already carrying enormous expectations. Barça and the RFEF both understand that, which is why Olmo’s repeated message — both sides want what’s best — feels so relevant. They can’t afford miscommunication. Not with a player of this magnitude.

For Spain, the focus shifts to Georgia and Turkey. Two matches that could send La Roja straight to the 2026 World Cup. De la Fuente’s squad has depth, cohesion, and confidence — but securing qualification as soon as possible remains the priority.

“The ultimate goal is to win, to win both,” Olmo emphasized. “We haven’t mathematically qualified yet, so that’s the objective: to be at the 2026 World Cup.”

A Calm Voice Amid the Noise

In the end, Olmo’s comments offered more clarity than controversy — something the football world could use more often. The noise around Yamal will continue, because he’s young, brilliant, and playing under the microscope of a global superclub. But if you take Olmo’s word for it, the people closest to the situation are handling it calmly, responsibly, and with the player’s health at heart.

Inside the Spain camp, it seems there’s no feud, no fractures, no drama — just a team focused on winning and getting their brightest young talent back to full strength.

And maybe, sometimes, that simple truth gets lost in the headlines.