The Spain head coach addressed the media at 18:15 (Spanish mainland time) at the match venue, the home of Sparta Prague, where Spain will face Czechia this Thursday, 12 November, in the penultimate fixture of the UEFA Nations League group stage.

Lamine Yamal: “Lamine picked up an injury in the last match and was experiencing discomfort in his knee. He needed an MRI scan, which showed fluid in the knee and inflammation. I decided that there was no point in bringing him here for treatment without knowing whether he would be able to play. I preferred him to train with his club and join us later if he is fit. The same applies to Mikel Oyarzabal, although for different reasons.”

Mikel Merino: “Every footballer wants to play. The day someone is happy not to play, we might as well call it a day. He is ambitious, and we are fully aware of his quality and standing. Many of his teammates are at that same level. A player who comes on and makes the most of his minutes can also be the star of the show. Mikel is hugely important to us, but he is no more important because he starts the match.”

Zubimendi: “We treat everyone equally, and that makes players feel very comfortable when they join us. Some footballers perform even better here than they do at their clubs. Martín is a guaranteed asset every time he joins us. We are lucky to have players like him in the squad.”

🎙️ “Martín Zubimendi gives us everything the team needs and helps us play very well.” ➡️ “The absences do not concern me at all. Tomorrow we will field a fantastic team and try to win again.” 🗣️ Luis de la Fuente, Spain head coach. #VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague https://t.co/E18L5M8J0a

— Spain Men’s National Football Team (@SEFutbol) November 11, 2026

Unbeaten run: “We have to look for every possible source of motivation. The match itself is motivation enough because we want to secure first place, but we have to beat Czechia. The unbeaten-record target is another incentive. Reaching 43 is extraordinary, but we want to make it 44. Above all, though, what matters is demanding the very best of ourselves.”

🎙️ “We look for every possible source of motivation. Winning this match will give us the chance to fight for top spot in the group against England.” ➡️ “We want to keep setting milestones and extend our unbeaten run.” 🗣️ Luis de la Fuente. #VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague https://t.co/QeDxrD0p6Z

— Spain Men’s National Football Team (@SEFutbol) November 11, 2026

Unai Simón: “As well as being the best goalkeeper in the world, he is the best person in the world, the best teammate and the best captain. He has improved since we first got to know him at the age of 17, of course. You could already see what kind of person he was, and he has continued to improve in every other respect. It is a pleasure to have the captains we have.”

🎙️ “Unai Simón, as well as being the best goalkeeper in the world, is the best teammate and the best person in the world. He is a pleasure to work with.” ➡️ “I met him when he was 16 or 17, and he was already a great guy.” 🗣️ Luis de la Fuente, Spain head coach. #VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague https://t.co/Ee33tBuAUE

— Spain Men’s National Football Team (@SEFutbol) November 11, 2026

Czechia: “Tomorrow’s match is the only thing that matters. We have to go out there to win. Nothing else exists beyond that game. We want to finish top of the group, and right now that is our only focus. Our priority is to take care of tomorrow’s match. We know it will be very difficult because they have some excellent players. I always highlight their collective work and the way they function as a team.”

Santi Denia: “Santi is a friend of mine and we speak regularly. I am delighted whenever good things happen to him. I know him very well as a professional and have learned a great deal from him. He taught me how to be a national team coach, and I am sure he will do an excellent job here.”

🎙️ “Santi Denia is my friend, and I spoke to him this morning. I am delighted whenever good things happen to him.” ➡️ “I know him very well professionally. He taught me how to be a national team coach and he is a great manager. He will do an excellent job here.” 🗣️ Luis de la Fuente. #VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague https://t.co/B9jw9Y7nfj

— Spain Men’s National Football Team (@SEFutbol) November 11, 2026

On tomorrow’s match: “We need to learn from our previous experience. It will be a different match from the one we played in Oviedo. We want to play our way and become a more complete team with every passing day.”

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