Luis de la Fuente: “This team always wants more”

It was past midnight at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia when Luis de la Fuente arrived for his press conference with a broad smile on his face. The Spanish coach had once again led his team to a Nations League Final Four after a nerve-wracking penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands.

“Yesterday, I started by thanking Valencia, and today I have to do the same. We’ve experienced an incredible atmosphere the whole time, and tonight’s been a wonderful night,” De la Fuente remarked before taking questions from the journalists.

Speaking about the match against the Netherlands, the manager explained: “Both teams wanted to win from the very start. It was a great game for the spectators, we both played to our strengths, and I think we put on an amazing show.”

“I can’t imagine sport without some suffering. In a competition of this calibre, against such an impressive opponent, it was inevitable. Winning like this feels even better,” he admitted.

“This team always wants more; they’re a highly ambitious group that want to keep winning. We want to meet the expectations that come with representing our country Spain. The fans are once again completely behind this team,” De la Fuente enthused.

“We practised penalties throughout the week. The spot kick specialists focus more on that aspect, but when the shootout arrives, you have to give a calming team talk. In those moments, you need to bring reassurance because the tension is immense, and the players have to take their penalties with confidence. It takes great courage to step up and take a penalty. We had the first six takers decided – it would have been interesting to see who would have taken the next one after Pedri. Ultimately, the most important thing is the players’ conviction,” he reflected on the sudden-death penalties.

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