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Luis de la Fuente: "We want to consolidate the family that has been built"

The head coach addressed questions from the media following the announcement of the squad for next week’s matches against Bulgaria and Turkey.
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Fri, 29/08/2025 - 20:26

After announcing the list of 26 players called up to begin the road towards next summer’s World Cup, Luis de la Fuente appeared before the media in the José Villalonga Auditorium at the Ciudad del Fútbol.

The national team head coach opened his press conference by offering a message of condolence and solidarity to the victims and families affected by the devastating wildfires currently impacting the country, as well as expressing his admiration for the National Fire Service. De la Fuente also took the opportunity to welcome Aitor Karanka, recently appointed as Technical Director of Development and of the Men’s Senior National Team, wishing him the very best in his new role. He likewise extended his best wishes to David Gordo, who will make his debut in charge of the U-21 side this September.

 

Asked about the return to the squad of two captains and key figures in the dressing room, Rodrigo Hernández and Dani Carvajal, the coach from La Rioja stated that "the best news is that they have recovered, are back, and enjoying their football. They are very important for the group, both on and off the pitch. They are our captains and the best in the world in their positions.”

 

On the details of the squad announcement, De la Fuente highlighted the significance of beginning this new stage with the clear objective of qualifying for next summer’s World Cup in Canada, the United States, and Mexico: “We face a very difficult qualifying campaign ahead, and we want to consolidate the family that has been built. In that regard, Rodrigo and Carvajal will be very important.”


The head coach also made special mention of another notable name on the list, debutant Jesús Rodríguez: “We have been following him for some time. He played in the U-21 European Championship and has started the season very well. We believe this is the right moment. Jesús can bring us a great deal of enthusiasm, freshness, and boldness,” he concluded about the player from Alcalá de Guadaíra.

 

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