“Y ou’ve filtered these, right?” Luis de la Fuente chuckles as he glances at the laptop displaying questions from the audience, taking a seat on the third floor of the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Spain has just concluded their training session in preparation for their upcoming round of 16 clash against Portugal. Outside, some players continue to soak up the sun in the same venue where Bebeto famously celebrated in 1994. This moment follows the impressive performance by Cape Verde against Argentina, showcasing the World Cup’s power to create lasting memories.
“Because of what it means for Spain, it has to be [Andrés] Iniesta’s goal,” De la Fuente reflects. “It’s not very original but that’s the image of the World Cup for us. I would have been at home watching it. I have always been very into the national team. Whenever the Selección played, it was an event at my parents’ house. My parents would watch, my brothers and sisters, people would come round to watch. That’s in Haro, La Rioja. And then as a professional, wherever the game found me, I would watch it. I would enjoy every World Cup game, but especially the Spain ones. There are other images of the World Cup, but that’s the most powerful.”
In light of Cape Verde’s performance, should Spain’s opening match be reassessed? Leo states, ‘Be yourself, enjoy football, with the responsibility that comes with it, the responsibility that you take on, but be yourself.’
When asked about Lamine Yamal’s comments on his toughest opponent, Nuno Mendes, De la Fuente offers advice.
“Lamine has faced him both at club and international levels. In his ongoing development, he recognizes that high-stakes games against top competitors are crucial for his growth. He is a competitor and will want to overcome the disappointment from their last encounter in the Nations League final. However, it’s been a while since then, and Lamine has matured significantly. He is not the same player he was a year ago; he has grown more confident and adept at reading the game. My advice to him? ‘Be yourself, enjoy football, but also embrace the responsibility that comes with it.’”
A question arises about Borja Iglesias’ role within the squad. “Borja is a vital player,” De la Fuente emphasizes. “He is preparing and working hard to be ready when called upon. Recently, I felt regret during the match against Austria that I couldn’t make the substitutions I had planned, including him. The game can shift unexpectedly, leading to different tactical choices. However, this group is prepared to compete whenever needed. I wish every player could have their moment, but this is the World Cup, and they all play crucial roles. Borja’s presence elevates the performance of others because his talent demands the best from his teammates.”
Addressing the growing affection for the young talents of La Roja, he comments, “It’s globalization at work. New perspectives are emerging. These changes bring together diverse backgrounds, fostering integration. Football mirrors society and serves as a vehicle for unity and values. While there are negative aspects, I prefer to focus on the positive essence of football and its role in society.”
When asked about his favorite Spanish word, De la Fuente replies, “The word I cherish most is ‘respect’. With respect as a foundation, anything can be built. The structure of coexistence relies on respect. I once read this, and it resonates with me. Respect is the cornerstone of my life and is central to my interactions with players.”
What is the most challenging aspect of being the seleccionador? Ethan Taylor asks. “Selecting the squad,” he replies. “I often say that we are coaches, but our most significant and hardest task is selecting the players. We can discuss technical and tactical concepts, but the real challenge is choosing the players who best align with our vision. It’s tough to leave out someone who could easily fit into the team.”
In response to the question of whether the current midfield could rival that of the 2010 World Cup final, Anne Butterfield poses a thoughtful inquiry. “Both midfields are exceptional,” De la Fuente responds. “I genuinely believe, and I say this with utmost respect, that we possess the best midfield in the world. We have two top players for each position. I could list them: Rodrigo, Zubimendi, Fabián, Pedri, Olmo, Merino, Baena, Gavi, and Fermín, who is absent due to injury, among others. I might forget someone and they may be upset with me; I remember them all. The midfield from 2010 was extraordinary, but I see us at a similar level now.”
Regarding Pedri, one fan notes, “He appears on the verge of losing possession, yet he never does. How does he manage this?” De la Fuente laughs, “He’s a magician! It’s all about quality, talent, and technical skill. A teacher once explained that technique is the ability to accomplish challenging tasks effortlessly. Pedri embodies that definition; he performs incredibly difficult actions that seem effortless. He plays with remarkable ease and sees opportunities others miss. That’s the hallmark of a genius.”
When asked about the essence of happiness, John B reflects, “As we age, we come to realize that true happiness lies in recognizing what is truly important. Happiness encompasses color, life, health, and the joy of spending time with family and friends; that is the essence of happiness.”
On the topic of Spanish omelette preferences, Tim King asks, “With or without onion?” De la Fuente responds, “Without! I don’t like onion. My mother doesn’t either, although my father and siblings do. I inherited my mother’s taste. Tortilla is one of my favorite dishes, but it must be without onion.”
Finally, when asked if Oyarzabal is a natural striker or a false 9, he explains, “He is an outstanding player with a remarkable ability to play in multiple positions. I recall when people claimed there was no center forward; there is one, albeit a different kind. Mikel has played various roles, including media punta, right wing, and left wing, and has excelled in each. He comprehends every facet of the game and will eventually become a coach himself due to his exceptional understanding.”
Reflecting on Spain’s performance against Austria, one fan draws inspiration from Brazil’s legendary style of play. De la Fuente acknowledges, “I know the players exceptionally well, and while my understanding of the game has evolved, it’s largely due to their influence. I had my own ideas, but they have enhanced those concepts. A solid foundation is essential, but ultimately, it’s about the players executing and adapting the game plan. Providing them with the right tools is crucial.”
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