Luis de la Fuente acknowledges that while the World Cup draw has presented opponents like Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay, his primary focus is not on the immediate opponents but on progressing as far as possible in the tournament. He emphasizes that the objective is to reach the final, which necessitates facing strong teams, and that the group stage is merely a stepping stone. He also notes that the selection of venues and facilities is a practical concern, but the opponents themselves are secondary to the team's overall ambition.
Respect for Bielsa and Uruguay
Despite downplaying the immediate concern over specific opponents, Luis de la Fuente expresses significant admiration for Marcelo Bielsa, calling him one of the best coaches in the world. He also acknowledges Uruguay as a historically significant footballing nation with a strong, competitive identity and talented young players, indicating a deep respect for their footballing heritage and current capabilities.
Messi's Enduring Quality
Luis de la Fuente holds Lionel Messi in extremely high regard, stating that he will always be exceptional. He considers Messi, along with Cristiano Ronaldo, as players who should never retire due to their continued high-level performance. De la Fuente believes that even at this stage of his career, Messi possesses the ability to make game-changing plays and commands absolute respect for his legendary trajectory.
Managing Abundance of Left-Backs
Responding to the abundance of talented left-backs like Cucurella and Grimaldo, and the clamor for players like Alejandro Balde and Carreras, De la Fuente reiterates his commitment to professionalism and honesty in selection. He acknowledges the quality of these young players but states that he will select based on who he believes is best for the national team at any given moment, drawing on a deep pool of talent that includes players from various age groups and clubs.
Carvajal's World Cup Prospects and Defensive Depth
Luis de la Fuente expresses hope that Dani Carvajal will recover in time for the World Cup, noting his positive evolution and regular communication about his condition. He emphasizes that even without Carvajal, Spain has strong options at right-back, including Pedro Porro and Marcos Llorente, as well as promising talents from the U21 team. This depth provides reassurance that the team can manage potential setbacks in this position.
Goalkeeping Strength and Selection
De la Fuente highlights Spain's exceptional goalkeeping talent, stating they have five or six of the world's best. While currently favoring Unai Simón, David Raya, and Álex Remiro for their role in qualification, he acknowledges other strong keepers like Robert Sánchez and Leo Román. He assures that the final decision will be made closer to the tournament based on form and suitability, promising a choice he is 100% convinced is the best for the team.
Squad Consolidation and Depth
De la Fuente expresses confidence in the consolidated core of the Spanish squad, noting that around 25-30 players are consistently monitored and could potentially make the final list. He highlights the luxury of having three to four players per position under consideration, a result of weekly scouting and evaluation, which ensures significant depth and competition for places in the 26-player squad.
Player Fitness and World Cup Readiness
De la Fuente's primary concern is ensuring all players arrive at the World Cup in optimal condition. He is particularly focused on the recovery of Nico Williams, acknowledging his 'tricky' injury but expressing optimism as treatments appear effective and he's regaining form. He believes that players, while committed to their clubs, will also be mentally preparing for the World Cup, aiming to reach peak fitness by the tournament.
Logistical Challenges in the USA
De la Fuente acknowledges the significant travel distances and climate challenges in the USA for the World Cup, noting that 3-4 hour travel times will be normal. However, he expresses pride in participating and confidence in the team's travel department, which has extensive experience. He also points out that playing in covered stadiums, like the one in Atlanta, can mitigate extreme weather conditions, drawing on his experience from the Japan Olympics.
De la Fuente: A Legacy of Unbeaten Dominance
Luis de la Fuente highlights the exceptional work of his players, noting Spain's 31-game unbeaten streak, which equals Italy's record. This achievement, coupled with reaching the #1 FIFA ranking, underscores the team's current strength and potential to compete for major titles. He emphasizes that this success is a testament to both the players' quality and the supportive work of the entire coaching staff.
The Coach's Tightrope: Navigating Pressure and Praise
Addressing the scrutiny faced by coaches like Xabi Alonso, de la Fuente acknowledges that the trainer is always the first to be questioned when results falter. He describes this as the 'law of life' in football, emphasizing the need for coaches to maintain equilibrium, avoiding excessive euphoria in success and despair in defeat. This resilience is key to navigating the volatile nature of the profession.
De la Fuente: Fan Happiness is the Ultimate Reward
The greatest satisfaction for de la Fuente comes from seeing the Spanish fans happy and proud of their national team. He notes a significant shift in the fanbase's enthusiasm over the past three years, with increased passion and support evident in public. This connection with the supporters is more valuable to him than any personal accolades or titles.
