Luis de la Fuente: “The team we put out against Portugal will be very strong”

Just over 24 hours before kick-off at the Allianz Arena in Munich (Germany), Luis de la Fuente appeared before the press. The national team coach took questions from the media ahead of his third final as Spain manager.

“They’re all fine, the best news is that everyone is available. Le Normand has trained normally. We still have the final training session to complete, and we’ll see what we do. The team we put out against Portugal will be very strong,” he explained.

In response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments, Luis de la Fuente said: “I’ve always felt well recognised and very appreciated. I’m very grateful for his words. I’m the one who admires him. He’s a footballer who’s a legend and a role model, and he represents the values that I like. It’s a privilege to face such a powerful team led by a footballer who will go down in history. Tomorrow we are sure to enjoy a great spectacle.”

When asked about Lamine Yamal, the Spanish coach commented: “We’ve been accompanying him in his development for a long time. He’s very young and has a level of maturity beyond his years. He’s very mature and is taking all this very calmly. We’ll always support him because he’ll go through less good moments too. We’re going to enjoy him, encourage him and support him.”

“He gives off a calm and tranquillity that would amaze you. He’s the kind of person who is special. He enjoys everything with confidence, calm and naturalness. For others it would be stressful, but not for him. That’s what makes him special,” reiterated the national coach about Yamal.

On next summer’s World Cup: “It has to do with form and trajectory. Everyone has their favourites. It’s clear that there is data showing our form is very positive. Surely, if tomorrow the result isn’t what we want, someone will think differently. We’re going to continue working in the same direction, improving different aspects, and then we’ll think about the next challenge.”

Luis de la Fuente could become the manager with the most Spanish National Team titles. On that, he commented: “It’s something that excites me and fills me with pride. I don’t think about it, I know how difficult it is to keep winning and to achieve what we’ve achieved. It’s my duty as manager, I’m responsible for a group of wonderful players. I like the challenge. If I achieve it, I’ll enjoy it, naturally, and with the desire to surpass the records.”

“It’s the most difficult stage because they’re the ones that have reached the final. They’re a very powerful team, just look at the players they have and their record. We share quite a few similarities in our footballing philosophy and in player selection. In our versatility, we’ll try to surpass them. We’re going to try to play to our strong points,” he said about the Nations League final.

About Morata, Luis de la Fuente praised his captain: “Álvaro continues to be especially important. He’s a very loved, very respected footballer who brings the team together. We place great value on what’s done off the pitch. He’s a leader. For us, he’s the best. He’s got a lot of football left in him and will no doubt continue to have very important and influential moments with the national team.”

“When you win a lot you’re always closer to losing. Nothing lasts forever. We’re going to keep fighting for and holding onto our enthusiasm. We’re not doing it to break any record. But I’m prepared both for defeat and for success,” said the Spanish coach when asked about his 27-month unbeaten streak.