“These Are Two Crucial Matches for Us”
At the home of Atlético de Madrid, which will host the second of Spain’s upcoming fixtures, Luis de la Fuente answered questions from the media following the announcement of his 27-man squad for the final matches of the UEFA Nations League group stage. Spain will face Czechia away from home and England on home soil.
The Spanish head coach began the press conference with a message of condolence: “I wanted to express my sorrow and condolences to all the families of the victims of the Urda accident. We also experienced a very difficult day yesterday with the funeral of Jesús de Miguel. My deepest condolences.”
🎙️ “I want to express my sorrow and condolences to all the families of the victims of the Urda tragedy.” ➡️ “I also want to extend my condolences to the family and teammates of Jesús de Miguel. May he rest in peace.” 🗣️ Luis de la Fuente, Spain head coach. #VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague https://t.co/LXZVUUuoD3
— Spain Men’s National Football Team (@SEFutbol) November 6, 2026
Jesús de Miguel’s funeral: “What stays with me is the pain of seeing a family torn apart. It makes me think that we need to put many things in life into perspective. People are what truly matter, and we only realise how much we miss them when they are no longer with us. It was an extremely difficult day for the football world. We must always remember those who are no longer here.”
Suspension of football: “My opinion, while respecting all others, is that the RFEF observed a respectful period of mourning. Personally, I would like tributes to be paid on a football pitch when I am no longer here. Grief is very personal, and everyone expresses it in their own way. I am simply saying what I would like to happen in my case.”
Jacobo Ramón and four goalkeepers: “Jacobo is having an excellent season and has also been doing outstanding work with the under-21 team. We feel this is the right time to give him the opportunity to see what it is like. The decision to include four goalkeepers is because David Raya has a few matters to resolve. In any case, Álvaro Valles is doing very well, and this is a good opportunity for him to experience the national team environment.”
Playing time: “These are two crucial matches for us. There is a great deal at stake, and the players will get the minutes we consider appropriate.”
Ballon d’Or ceremony: “It was an extraordinary source of happiness for me. I already felt privileged simply to be among the nominees. My presence there was thanks to my coaching staff. I am very happy in that respect.”
Spain–England: “I have had the opportunity to speak to the media, and I imagine it will be a match with an exceptional atmosphere. The venue is incredible. When the World Cup trophy was presented here, the fans were fully behind us, and I believe it will be the same for this match. It is a huge game, and there is a great deal at stake.”
🎙️ “I imagine the Metropolitano will enjoy an exceptional atmosphere. It is the perfect venue, and this match could easily be a European Championship or World Cup final.” ➡️ “We know the fans will be right behind @SEFutbol.” 🗣️ Luis de la Fuente. #VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague https://t.co/T4vUXHSL7u
— Spain Men’s National Football Team (@SEFutbol) November 6, 2026
The 2030 World Cup final: “The final should be played in Spain. My responsibility is to prepare the best possible team to win the World Cup when we get there. Everything else is beyond my control.”
Managing the dressing room: “For me, managing the group is now a fundamental and decisive part of working with people and footballers. You do not need to be either tougher or softer. The clearest way to be firm is to tell someone respectfully what you think of them. I do not see myself as a boss; I want to get the best out of the players. There may be other approaches, but ours works.”