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Luis de la Fuente: “This team never lets you down”

The national coach gives all the credit for the European Championships victory over Germany to his players: "They are an example for society".
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Fri, 05/07/2024 - 23:01

Satisfied with both his team’s performance and with the values shown by his team at this European Championships, Luis de la Fuente began his press conference just after qualifying for the semi-finals of the European Championship by pointing out that "It's time to appreciate what we have achieved, which is historic. We have some certain absentees for disciplinary reasons and injury-wise we have to wait and see how things evolve. All the players are ready to compete at a very high level".

The incredibly hard fought match against Germany, decided in the last minute of extra time, was analysed by the coach from La Rioja, vindicating the changes introduced, as "you can also win matches running less. We needed to run less and be more forceful in the final third to be able to win a very difficult match like this one".

For the coach, "the worst moment was Pedri's injury and Germany's goal, which led to a tough moment in which we had to withstand lots of pressure. I think it's something that will help us to learn. Tomorrow is another game.

The tough prospect of beating the home team in the quarter-final is understandable for the coach from Haro, as "we know how demanding it is to play a football match like this. I come from the game in the 80s and anyone can see what it was like. First and foremost, I value the quality of my players and their ability to take stock of matches while competing in games".

And it is to his players that Luis de la Fuente gave all the credit when speaking to the journalists, stating that "this team has heart and is insatiable. For me, it is a source of pride to be able to manage players of this calibre. They are used to competing and you can never question their pride, the drive or quality of this team, which never lets you down. My only merit is to have chosen this group of players, who I know will not disappoint. I am proud of them because they are an example for society. I will die for them, just as they would die for me.

The thousands of Spanish fans cheering in Stuttgart and the millions from Spain had a final thought of gratitude from the national coach, who boasted that "we are thrilled that our country is excited. I know there have been audiences in the millions and I hope we can continue to win, but sometimes the path is more important than the goal," he concluded, visibly moved after the victory.

 

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