Luis de la Fuente: “Spain Will Fight for Everything”

The national team coach began his press conference by announcing the list of nine players who will support Spain during the initial phase of their World Cup preparations before the squad departs for North America: Marc Bernal, Javi Rodríguez, Jesús Rodríguez, Leo Román, Gonzalo García, Sergio Gómez, Jon Martín, Beñat Turrientes and Javi Guerra.

On the difficulty of selecting the squad:
“It has been a very carefully considered and thoroughly worked-on squad list. We have spent many months thinking about it and every position has been difficult to decide because the level of Spanish football is so high. We could put together another national team with the same guarantees.”

On the goalkeepers:
“We have the best goalkeepers and any of them would have offered complete reliability. We have three goalkeepers with outstanding quality, consistency and experience.”

On confidence in the selected players:
“We have considered every possible scenario depending on the demands each opponent may place on us. At the same time, I have complete confidence in all 26 players included in the squad. Last night, when we finalised the list, everyone felt happy and satisfied to have these 26 players with us.”

On Eric García and Marc Pubill:
“Both players have performed at a very high level. They are in excellent form and that encouraged us to call them up. We are looking forward to welcoming them into the family atmosphere we have built. Eric has been with me since the Under-19s, while I know Pubill from the Under-21 and Olympic teams.”

On the availability of the players:
“We are very calm and, unless there are any setbacks, we believe we will have almost all players available from the first World Cup match. The RFEF remains in constant communication with the medical departments of all clubs and we will continue working through this coordinated approach between clubs and Federation.”

On Spain’s status as favourites:
“We feel capable of winning the World Cup, but that guarantees nothing. There are other national teams at our level who are equally among the favourites. What nobody should doubt is that we will fight for everything.”

On notable absences from the squad:
“The hardest part of this job is leaving out players who have been part of this group or who, because of their level, could also be here. They must continue working and I am sure our paths will cross again.”

On Morata and Carvajal:
“Álvaro and Dani have been hugely important for us, they still are, and hopefully they will continue to be in the future. Their legacy is unforgettable — leadership and captaincy in every sense. Our current captains, Rodrigo, Unai Simón, Ferran and Oyarzabal, represent those same values and that gives us great peace of mind.”

On Gavi:
“He is a player who is deeply loved within the group and he gives us so much on the pitch. His versatility allows him to be among the best in the world in every position he can play. Emotionally, returning to the national team for a World Cup is something very special for him.”

On the strength of the group:
“The human quality within this squad is extraordinary. It is one of our greatest strengths and, for me, it is just as important as the footballing side of things.”

How would he define the squad?
“Quality, character and competitiveness. There is always room for improvement, but the foundation we have is extremely solid.”

On the participation of HM King Felipe VI:
“I watched the video this morning and it moved me emotionally. It is the final result of many months of work and it was very special to have the opportunity to spend time with the King personally. He is a warm and approachable person who makes you feel proud to be Spanish. The final video is beautiful and worthy of what both the RFEF and the Spanish National Team represent.”

WATCH AGAIN THE OFFICIAL PRESENTATION OF SPAIN’S FIFA WORLD CUP SQUAD