“We Will Compete to Win, but We Know We Are the Team to Beat”
“After the time that has passed since the World Cup final, it is very nice to welcome you back home, but I would like to highlight something more important. For what has been one of the happiest summers of many people’s lives, I would like to send all my support and thoughts to those affected by the wildfires and to the people of Ceuta,” the Spain head coach began after taking his seat in the press room at the Villalonga Hall at Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas, following the announcement of his first squad of the season.
On his contract renewal: “I’m not going to announce anything regarding my renewal. Both sides are delighted to continue, but it will be the RFEF who announces that news.”
New Nations League format: “Honestly, I don’t like it. I preferred the previous format. Here we have four very demanding matches, and in some cases we have two games very close together, travel, journeys, rest... The previous format managed that better.”
Four changes: “Joan is injured, so Josep will come in. He has already been with me. He is a goalkeeper with fantastic qualities, he is a cup and league champion in Italy, and he has an important history with us. Roberto has made a great start to the season, he has scored six goals and is doing very well, and we believe he fits our style and our footballing philosophy.”
🎙️ “Joan is injured and Josep comes in to replace him. He is already an international and a goalkeeper with fantastic qualities.”
➡️ “Roberto is a player we have been following closely and now is his time. He has six goals.”
🗣️ Luis de la Fuente, Spain head coach.
Ballon d’Or: “I would give it to a Spaniard. I have no preference beyond that, but it should be a Spaniard because they have done enough to deserve it. They have the talent to win such a prestigious award.”
Ceuta: “I feel more caballa and more Ceutan than I did yesterday.”
On the squad: “When we select a squad, we try to cover all the scenarios we may encounter. We have put together a very balanced squad. How could there not be continuity with players who are champions of everything? At the same time, we also recognise those who are doing a great job at their clubs.”
Spanish coaches: “We are pioneers of a coach education programme... and the results are there to see. But this has been going on for some time; it’s just that now, because we are winning more trophies and receiving greater media recognition, people are talking about it more. We are committed to coaching education both nationally and through the regional federations, and that shows.”
🎙️ “We are pioneers in a coach education programme that is producing highly recognised results.”
➡️ “We have some very good teachers at our RFEF Coaching School.”
🗣️ Luis de la Fuente, Spain head coach.
Marcos Llorente: “I want to remember Marcos Llorente. He has my full support because he has been an exemplary footballer. I have known him since 2013 and we have great affection for him.”
Anecdote: “After the final, one player came over and said to me, ‘What is left for us to win?’ And I replied, ‘Well, 26 September against England.’ That shows that this team never gets tired of winning and improving.”
2030 World Cup final: “In my opinion, the final should be played in Spain, for many reasons. There is still a long way to go and I’m sure FIFA will assess everything Spain has to offer.”
On winning the European Championship: “In life, winning is very difficult. You lose more than you win, especially in sport. We will compete to win, but we know we are the team to beat.”
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