De la Fuente explains Riqui Puig omission from Spain U21 squad

De la Fuente says he hasn't talked to Puig personally to explain his decision.

The coach claims that Riqui is determined to succeed at Barca.

The youngster has only played 3 minutes for Blaugrana this season.

"I have not spoken to Riqui Puig. I think he has to be calm, I had already spoken with him on other occasions and he knows what I think. We have high esteem and appreciation for him, now he has to work even harder but it was the opportunity to see other players.

"He is convinced that he wants to succeed at Barca," Mundo Deportivo quote Spain U21 coach Luis de la Fuente saying.

As a reminder, both Riqui Puig and Carles Alena have been omitted from Spain U21's squad for the matches against the Faroe Islands and Israel. This might have to do with the fact that Puig has played only 3 minutes and Alena only 7 minutes this term.

At the start of the season, Ronald Koeman recommended Riqui leaves on loan. However, the midfielder opted to stay as he thought he would be getting chances this season. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case so far.