Luis de la Fuente considers rotating Lamine Yamal before the clash with the Czech Republic

At the Carlos Tartiere, under the stadium lights, manager Luis de la Fuente is preparing for Spain's third fixture in eleven days, a match against the Czech Republic that will take place this Saturday. The pre‑match press conference hinted at the intention to rotate in all areas, including the goalkeeper position, to manage the fatigue of a squad with limited recovery time.

Tight schedule of the Nations League

Spain opened the Nations League window at Wembley on September 26, thrashed Croatia on the 29th in Seville and will close the phase in Split on October 6. That's four matches in eleven days, which forces the coach to plan strategic rotations.

Ferran Torres' absence

The latest absence announced was that of forward Ferran Torres, a move that reinforces de la Fuente's criteria ahead of the Oviedo fixture. The manager explained that the format leaves little time for recovery and that the player's health is a priority.

Rotations and selection criteria

De la Fuente described rotations as the way to choose the players who arrive in the best condition. “When we talk about rotations we talk about selecting the players who are best suited for the match. In every position,” he said, adding that any role, including the goalkeeper, could undergo changes.

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The question about Lamine Yamal

The Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, who started against England and Croatia, recorded a brace and an assist in the 4‑1 victory over the Croats at the Sánchez‑Pizjuán. De la Fuente did not confirm whether he will start again, but indicated that the most suitable lineup will be the one that takes the field tomorrow.

The coach emphasized that the match time does not change the importance of the decision: “It matters at any point in the game. From the start or from the 60th or the 45th minute. It doesn’t cost more or less to leave him out.” He added praise for Yamal’s maturity, stating that “it’s a pleasure to watch him, he’s getting more mature every day.”

Connections with the Czech coaching staff

In the Czech coaching staff are Santi Denia and Pablo Amo, two longtime acquaintances of La Roja. De la Fuente remarked that “we know them very well,” but reminded that it is the players who change matches and bring a different dynamic.

The manager closed the conference warning about the demands of the upcoming match: “We have to be excellent in every game. A lot of difficulty, a lot of demand. It can be a trap for those who are not familiar with it.” Using the thrashing of Croatia as a reference, he asserted that “they won’t be surprised” and that Spain must be better to meet the challenge of the 20:45 kickoff at the Tartiere.