Luis de la Fuente: “Like any coach, I would have done different things for Luis Enrique”

He played for Athletic de Clemente and Sevilla de Azkargorta and has been coaching the Spanish Federation since 2013. Now they have the mission to start a new era with Spain.

Q: Assume the direction of the Spanish team in a difficult time after the failure of the Qatar’2022 World Cup. What are your primary goals?

Answer: Whenever a competition ends and the goal is not met, there is a small transitional phase where things seem to be and are not done well. Many things were well done. My aim is to reinforce all the positive aspects that have occurred during this time with my previous coach Luis Enrique and also try to catch up with my roadmap to achieve the sporting goals which is logically to win all the matches and competitions we have. we have to face.

Q: In your presentation you assured that the idea, the model is uncontested, but there will be changes in your own scenario. What changes are you planning to make?

A: I generally identify with the idea and game model of the Spanish team as a concept. A model known all over the world. But each coach has his own nuances and his own unique perspective that makes the development of this idea different. What I want is to continue the game of possession and association, which I think fits very well with our footballer profile.

But give the team other records: I like quick passes, I like to have fast players running into the gaps, and I’m convinced to attack a lot of end zones, and for that you need to provide the strikers with a lot of balls. With all these mind-shakers, I think we’re going to be a very complete team.

Q: Do you think Spain can once again be a candidate to win the 2026 World Cup?

A: I don’t know if I will be there. Hahahahaha… I always think Spain is a candidate to win everything. More pressing commitments that worry me right now: the two qualifying matches for the Eurocup against Norway and Scotland. I’m not even thinking about the Nations League final in June. These two plays are very important because they are our premiere and will represent a way of introducing ourselves to big fans. We will be faced with great enthusiasm with the goal of giving our best. We should always aim for the maximum.

Q: But your project should be long term. You are a coach who has come to lead change.

A: Yes, I have full and absolute trust in President Rubiales of the entire Spanish Federation, I know they trust me but I also know what football is like. I’m happy because I have the chance to lead the team and focus on the first two commitments.

I understand that if all goes well, we will continue until the next World Cup. But you never know what might happen in football. For now, I insist, it is very beautiful, very attractive, I want to enjoy this new project at the highest level. And I don’t think beyond. I’ve been very narrow-minded in football. I don’t think what will happen tomorrow.

Q: Is being the absolute coach for you the pinnacle of your career after you’ve passed all the subcategories?

A: Yes, I have a recurring phrase: you can always improve and I am the first. I think I’ve reached the maximum any coach can desire: to be the coach of his country. But you have to improve. It’s not enough to come. You should get results. And based on these results, extend my hold on this position for a long time. So yes, one day I will reach that goal I set for myself.

Q: Did you expect this?

A: No. Because I have lived happily in my job, dealing with beautiful challenges to qualify for the European and Olympic Games. I was in an excellent position and I thought Luis Enrique could continue perfectly. It was a surprise.

Q: What went wrong in Qatar?

A: Football is very simple. If you don’t get results, pressure from fans and media can increase the impact on the coach. But I think you did a really great job. Luis Enrique did a lot for the Spanish Federation. He left a great team. I think it is a very solid foundation for the future.

Q: Would you do anything different? In the announcement? In the approach of the parties?

A: Of course yes. I don’t know if it would have been better or worse, but I’m sure. Like any coach. But that’s the wealth of football. There is no copy paste. Each contributes to its own subjective vision in certain aspects, the nuances that develop and improve football.

Q: Have you spoken to Luis Enrique?

A: Yes, we exchanged messages. He sent me a very loving message and I to him. We have a very good relationship. We’ll talk quietly when the time comes. Because I think we respect each other very much and we have a very nice remnant between us. We will talk about everything. Not with the intention of taking advice, which I gladly accept, both from him and from other selectors I have had the opportunity to speak with. All information is good.

I am in the process of getting information, I listen a lot because I believe that is what corresponds. Absorb this information and comments because the size of the selector’s position is too large. I will need the help of anyone with similar experience to make quick and efficient decisions.

Q: Does the national team have to maintain this young player base?

A: Yes, the young player in Spain has a very high level of quality and talent. They are the guarantee of the future. But at the same time, we will enrich the youth if we can (and will) ensure that the most experienced and veteran people continue to deliver their potential. And we will be a great team. And in capital letters. This is my target.