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Luis de la Fuente: "We want to win these two games"

The coach believes in there always being room for improvement, and aims to show that is the case in the games against Cyprus and Georgia.
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Fri, 10/11/2023 - 13:55

The senior men's national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, spoke to the media about the upcoming matches against Cyprus and Georgia, in Limassol and Valladolid respectively. As he stated this Friday during the announcement of the squad. "We want to win both games and top the group," he then stated categorically, "and we have to improve in every aspect of our game".

 

Despite "being able to get to sleep ok", in his own words, he commented that there would always be people who prefer to go on about the names of those excluded from the squad, De la Fuente wanted to settle the debate about the "absences" from his list. "While I always have the feeling that I am unfair to those who don't get called up, because they perform well, compete and are very good, at the same time, I have the feeling that I am fair to those who do get the call," he summed up. "As long as I call up the play I feel I should , I'm calm," he said.

De la Fuente highlighted that "there are 300 Spanish players eligible for selection, and you have to make a squad of 23 or 25". "The bad luck I have is that there are more players available than I can select," he added, before explaining that his key is always putting the team first, and that when it comes to evaluating his players it's important that they "are good people".

The national coach also explained how important it is for him to have players in good form, something that is a plus when it comes to putting the finishing touches to the squad.

 

 

Regarding the new additions, the coach did want to go into the tactical options that the incorporation of Grimaldo gives the team; and he also highlighted the great form of Riquelme.

 

 

Finally, in relation to him continuing as coach of the National Team, Luis de la Fuente kept his cards close to his chest, stating "we still have to finish the job, and we can do it even better; then, when the time to sit down comes, if both parties want to and are happy and content (we will find a deal)... and, if not, nothing happens". The coach has also publicly clarified that his contract ends on 30 June 2024.


Read more: This is Luis de la Fuente's complete squad list

 

 

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