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Luis de la Fuente: "Our approach goes beyond simply stopping one player"

The national coach analysed the tactical challenges ahead of Sunday's decisive match against Norway and the threat of striker Erling Haaland: "We want to have a balanced line up"
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Sat, 14/10/2023 - 21:37

LISTEN TO WHAT GOALKEEPER UNAI SIMÓN HAD TO SAY BEFORE THE NORWAY-SPAIN GAME

The national team coach celebrated ten successful months in charge this week. A milestone that gives Luis de la Fuente the chance to reiterate his commitment to the team and that was something he made clear in the press conference suite at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo: "I am proud to lead the national team of my country. It is the greatest dream of all Spanish coaches and also, as a man of faith, it gives me confidence to know that I make decisions with the support of God".

With this confession to the journalists, the coach from La Rioja began his meeting with the press, during which he referred to Spain's opponents on Sunday and their main threat, striker Erling Haaland, pointing out that "we will try to be focused and give our best to contain our opponent´s attacks. Our approach goes beyond one player. We want to have a balanced team, even though we know that Haaland is a great player.

One of the curious aspects is the pressing need for Norway to win in order to save their chances of qualifying, a difficult situation which according to Del Fuente is explained by the fact that "it's one challenge straight after another, any setback leaves you very hurt. Norway have great potential and this group is wide open. They are a very strong team, but they have come up against a very strong Spain and Scotland".

Names such as Jesús Navas, Álvaro Morata, Bryan Zaragoza, Gavi and Unai Simón were also mentioned during a press conference in which the coach warned of Norway's strengths at set pieces and highlighted the evolution of Spain's play, responding to questions by saying "I'm a perfectionist to the end and I think there is always room for improvement. You can already recognise a style in the ten months, and we've been working on it. We are satisfied".

Victory in Oslo on Sunday would seal Spain's ticket to the European Championship finals and that is what De la Fuente is focusing all his energy on: "I'm thinking about beating Norway and qualifying as soon as possible. I'm enjoying myself and doing a job I'm passionate about," he said emphatically.

 

 

 

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