Rodrigo: "We are not afraid"
LISTEN TO THE SPAIN COACH LUIS DE LA FUENTE’S COMMENTS DURING THE PREVIEW OF SPAIN - FRANCE
After demonstrating his ability to analyse matches throughout the European Championships, with performances that have earned him Man of the Match honours in previous games, Rodrigo Hernández demonstrated that same analytical talent on Monday ahead of the semi-final against France, who for the Madrid-born player "are one of the teams that have reached the most finals and obtained the best results. They're a very difficult team to beat, but we have our weapons, we're not afraid and we're going to take the game where we want it to go. We have shown that we can win".
🗣️ Rodrigo, jugador internacional: "Conozco a @KMbappe y sé que es un jugador diferencial".
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) July 8, 2024
➡️ "Tiene capacidad para hacer daño estando bien y mal. Si juega será una amenaza y estaremos atentos a él".#VamosEspaña | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/tkpQyxsZGK
One of the keys for the Manchester City player could be in the taking their chances in front of goal, saying "I agree that we can make a difference by shooting from outside the box more, especially against a team that sits deep a lot. It could be one of the solutions".
🗣️ Rodrigo, jugador internacional: "Somos conscientes del equipo que tenemos y de lo que estamos trabajando".
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) July 8, 2024
➡️ "Jugamos ante una selección muy difícil, un partido durísimo en el que tendremos que sacar una versión óptima para pasar a la final".#VamosEspaña | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/Llgxcxym5Y
Germany has been a significant European Championships in the career of the midfielder, one of the captains of the team and who accepts "taking on a leadership role. The experience I have from two major tournaments I think it can help. We've been working very hard for a long time and I think we've put together a great team with young players and more experienced ones. We have a very versatile team and although Pedri's absence is very important, it is fortunate that he is staying to support us".
🗣️ Rodrigo: "Está claro que Francia es uno de los mejores equipos de los últimos años, es evidente".
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) July 8, 2024
➡️ "Será una selección difícil de batir, pero nosotros vamos a llevar el partido cómo queremos. No tenemos miedo y podemos ganar a cualquier rival".#VamosEspaña | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/uaQ2rx5MNL
Rodrigo's support for the Tenerife player and the rest of his team-mates, such as team captain Álvaro Morata, was clear, as was his support for coach Luis de la Fuente, whom he defended by pointing out that "he is doing things very well, such as the changes against Germany, while all I do is help the team to win".
🗣️ Rodrigo: "Estamos viendo a una España muy vertical, con muchas opciones y jugadores que pueden aportar recursos distintos".
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) July 8, 2024
➡️ "Hemos jugado partidos con diferentes interpretaciones de juego y creo que tenemos una @SEFutbol muy completa".#VamosEspaña | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/qQjHpFfbfQ
While praising the quality of the French players, such as winger Kylian Mbappé, Rodrigo reflected on the current Spain team in comparison to the one that won the Triple Crown between 2008 and 2012, pointing out that "the golden generation wasn't golden when it started. They had to build their legacy and now it's up to us to try to do the same. Tomorrow, we have a very tough match in which we will have to bring out our best version and that's what we must focus on right now," he said on the eve of the national team's place in the final of the European Championships.