Luis de la Fuente: “The match against Cape Verde is the most important game of the World Cup”

Not every day does a national team manager find himself on the eve of a World Cup debut. On Sunday, 14 June, Luis de la Fuente addressed journalists at Atlanta Stadium at 15:45 local time ahead of Spain’s opening match against Cape Verde national football team.

On transfer speculation

“We experienced a similar situation during the European Championship. I know all of these players very well, and I know the commitment and professionalism they possess. We deal with everything naturally and calmly. Nobody in this squad would do anything that could negatively affect the rest of the team.”

On Lamine Yamal

“The best news is that he is in perfect condition. We have followed the process we planned from the beginning, and he has arrived at this stage exactly when we wanted him to. I can tell you that everyone will be available tomorrow. That does not necessarily mean they are ready to play the entire match, but the important thing is that they are all in a very good place physically.”

On the squad’s preparations

“The level of performance has been exactly as we expected. These players are exceptionally talented, and every training session someone surprises you. The idea I had from the start remains unchanged, and we will continue with it tomorrow.”

On coaching at a World Cup

“I am very practical and focus on the short term. I never dreamed of being here; I dreamed of doing my job well every day. Personally and professionally, I am living the best moment of my life. I want to enjoy this experience with calmness and perspective. I am surrounded by outstanding people, and I have the very best alongside me.”

On Spain’s World Cup opener

“This is a competition with tremendous parity. We are already seeing results that many people would never have predicted. One of our defining characteristics is that we always regard the next challenge as the most important of our lives. The Cape Verde match is the most important game of this World Cup. You will hear me say the same thing about the next match afterwards, because that is genuinely how we approach it.”

On what he sees in his players

“I see excitement, determination and ambition. They are incredibly competitive players. Tomorrow will be a landmark moment for many of those making their World Cup debut. There is nothing better than facing such an occasion with belief and enthusiasm, and that is something these players possess in abundance. We are also fortunate with tomorrow’s kick-off time.”

On the idea of family within the squad

“The concept of family is built on unity, solidarity and support. Those are the values that define a team. It means placing the collective good above individual interests. We began using that word naturally during the European Championship. The bond that exists throughout the entire delegation is extremely powerful and one of our greatest strengths. There is nothing better than doing things for others. That is essential for both the wellbeing and the functioning of a team.”

On ambition and mentality

“A winning mentality is developed within the national team environment. In life, you lose more often than you win, but what matters is your character and your attitude towards competition. Those qualities bring you closer to achieving success. That is the mindset required to approach any tournament.”

On Cape Verde

“They are a team with very clearly defined tactical principles. They have extremely quick players, they eliminated Cameroon, and many of their footballers compete in European leagues. They could very well be one of the surprise packages of this World Cup. They will demand our very best.”