Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has dismissed the notion that Spain boss Luis Enrique holds something against players from his club, while admitting that a World Cup without the Roja would be hard for him to take.
Luis Enrique famously crossed the Clasico divide from Madrid to Barcelona as a player, becoming a hero at the latter club while the Santiago Bernabeu turned its wrath on him at every opportunity. He then coached the Blaugrana to a pair of La Liga titles.
That rivalry has now crossed over into the international game, with accusations that the coach is less willing to pick Blancos stars past and present such as centre-back Sergio Ramos, who was left out of Spain’s Euro 2020 squad.
“When I have heard that opinion I try to explain that nothing could be further from the truth,” Carvajal told Marca when quizzed on his Spain boss’ supposed anti-Madrid bias.
“The coach tries to call up the players he thinks are going to help achieve what he wants, whatever team they play for.
“That is his method, his philosophy and plan. I thank him [for always picking me], and for what he said about me at his press conference. I hope things continue this way.”