In Seville, on the eve of the Spain–Croatia fixture that marks the second matchday of the UEFA Nations League, the national team coach took his place in the Sánchez-Pizjuán press room and began by congratulating the Spain U-20 women's national team, who have just been crowned world champions. “I would like to offer them my most sincere congratulations from here.” He then went on to discuss the latest developments surrounding Spain:

Demanding schedule: “We always try to have a balanced team. Obviously, there will be changes to refresh the squad. Yesterday we arrived late, today we travel again… We have 26 players who are in perfect condition and all of them could play.”

Ballon d'Or: “I don't know what the criteria are, but I want a Spaniard to win. I think they have all earned it. I am happy to be nominated; that in itself is recognition and a source of pride.”

Format: “Playing four matches in ten days is extremely demanding. We put the players' health first. Eric could have played in the third or fourth match, but we preferred him to return to his club.”

Fermín: “He brings energy, happiness, quality… He is a very complete player. He fits in with our style of play.”

What would you tell the Luis de la Fuente of 2001? “Sometimes I say that I don't recognise myself from when I started coaching. When you begin, you think you know much more, and then you change many things. Above all, I would tell myself to remain consistent.”

Croatia: “Of course they have a chance to compete; there is no perfect opponent and no perfect day. Many times you can be better than your opponent and still lose. Tomorrow is a new match. We know the team and we know what they are capable of. It will be a match in which we have to produce an even better version of ourselves than we did against England. Our footballing reality is to demand more and more from ourselves.”

🎙️ “Of course Croatia can compete with us and they have a chance. We know them very well from our encounters over the years.”

➡️ “Tomorrow is a completely different match from the one against England.”

🗣️ Luis de la Fuente, national team coach.

Rotations: “We want a sense of unity within the team, and that's what we promote: whoever comes on is equally important. The rotations happen because everyone deserves to play and earns that right. Everyone would have a place in two starting XIs; they are the best in the world.”

First match in Spain with the two stars: “For us, it is a source of pride to see our country rallying behind the national team. Wherever we go, we are welcomed with tremendous joy. I feel honoured to be the national team coach. Coming to Seville always gives me a very special feeling.”

🎙️ “For us, it is a source of pride to see how we are welcomed throughout Spain. I think the spirit of 2010 has been recovered.”

➡️ “Coming to Seville always gives me a special feeling. I have experienced a lot here.”

🗣️ Luis de la Fuente.