Luis de la Fuente says Spain regains the 2010 spirit

Luis de la Fuente, coach of the Spanish national team, was optimistic before the clash against Croatia, stating that “This Spain has recovered the spirit of 2010.” He also congratulated the champion U‑20 women's national team and greeted his Sevillian friends, after years of living in Seville.

At the press conference, the coach recalled that the history of Spanish football “owes several Ballon d’Or” to its players and coaches. He explained that, although he does not know the exact criteria, he has always wanted a Spaniard to win both the player and the manager categories.

De la Fuente recalled that in the World Cup final, the ones who settled the match were the ones who started at Wembley, and emphasized the need to be decisive, defensively strong and in control of the game.

Ballon d'Or and Spanish history

The coach highlighted that being nominated already represents a great recognition and expressed his happiness about the candidacy. He joked that, although the nomination is not his goal, winning the award would make him extremely delighted.

Rotations and freshness in the squad

The manager admitted that the last four matches have been played with little recovery, which forces a refresh of the team. With 26 players in perfect condition, he will assess which positions need changes, without altering the defined block, but by bringing in players who provide energy and freshness.

David Aznar praises the U‑20 women's generation after the World Cup

He mentioned that Eric García has been managed to recover without stress, and that the entire squad will not be changed. However, he would have preferred to have two additional days of rest before the next match.

Regarding striker Fermín, De la Fuente highlighted his fantastic form, ability to play deep, and his contribution of energy, vitality, class and finishing, describing him as “top in Europe and the World” and perfectly aligned with the playing idea.

He reflected on his career since 2001, when he coached Sevilla’s youth team, and advised his younger self not to give up and to maintain consistency, values that, according to him, have taken him to the present.

Regarding Croatia, he stated that the opponent can compete and that its players have world‑class talent and a new competent coach. He insisted on offering a better version than the one shown in London, trusting in the preparation and the players’ ability to overcome any challenge.

The coach will finish the day by evaluating the goal statistics of those who come on in the second half, because according to his data, they have a higher scoring percentage. The final decision on rotations will be announced before the start of the match against Croatia.