Luis de la Fuente’s team opened with new leadership and a refreshed roster. The core group surrounding Luis Enrique stayed close, including psychologist Joaquín Valdés, physical trainer Rafael Pol, and analyst Aitor Unzué, along with others who were already part of the setup and followed their lead to the new chapter.
Relating to
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Pedri remained outside the election dialogue
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Gavimania in Madrid
Seven differences between Luis Enrique and Luis de la Fuente
Jordi Gil
Selection director Albert Luque helped shape a coaching staff focused on building a squad capable of sustained success at the highest levels of international football.
paul love
He will serve as the second coach of the team. At 45 years old, he is a federation insider who knows the structure well after serving in the youth setup. A former player, he had a long career with Spanish clubs such as Sporting, Deportivo, Valladolid, Recreativo, and Zaragoza, and he also tried his luck abroad with Greek Panserraikos and Olympiakos Nicosia in Cyprus.
Miguel Angel Spain
He is slated to be the goalkeeping coach. A respected institution within the Federation, he played across various national team levels for fifteen years and has collaborated with De la Fuente at several stages. His discreet, meticulous approach earned the coach’s trust. As a player, he stood out with Rayo Vallecano and Hércules.
Jesus Lopez Vallejo
In the senior squad, the psychologist will perform his duties. He has long been affiliated with the Federation and recently contributed to the women’s team. He previously played as a professional goalkeeper for Osasuna, Villarreal, Recreativo, and Zaragoza and was an international from 2016 to 2023, participating in a European championship and a world runner-up campaign during training.
juanjo gonzalez
Assistant technician. A survivor of the Luis Enrique era, he later worked with the Asturian side as the lead analyst for goalkeeper training at the Qatar 2022 World Cup and now returns to assume a broader technical role. He spent his playing days as a goalkeeper with Gijón Industrial, Sporting, and Linares.
Carlos Cruz
He is the physical trainer who followed Luis Enrique into the final phase of his tenure. Rafael Pol joined the squad as an assistant coach ahead of the World Cup, bringing strong club-level experience from Real Madrid and other top teams. His practical, results-focused approach has been a hallmark of his coaching style.
paul pick
Analysis coordinator. He remains the longest-serving member of the A-team at 38 years old. In 2019, he began collaborating with Vicente del Bosque to document training sessions and matches. He was part of the World Cup squad in South Africa 2010 and Euro 2012, and like others, he spent his early career as a goalkeeper with Real Madrid’s and Villarreal’s youth systems.