Luis de la Fuente was born in Haro, La Rioja, and steps into the role of Spain’s head coach, stepping in to replace Luis Enrique after a long period of notable achievements across youth categories. He guided Spain to European Under-19 and Under-21 triumphs and earned a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, marking a high-profile career path through Athletic de Clemente and Sevilla de Azkargorta before joining the Spanish Football Federation in 2013. His mandate now is to usher in a new era for the national team, aligning with a refreshed national project while honoring the federation’s previous successes.
In facing a challenging moment after Qatar 2022, the new coach outlined his primary objectives. He described the transition as a normal phase that follows any campaign where the target was not met. While acknowledging many elements went well, the goal is to reinforce those positives from the interim period under the prior coach and to accelerate toward the sporting targets by winning each match and each competition we face. The emphasis is on continuity with what worked and on a clear plan to close any gaps that appeared during the transition.
Q: What changes does he plan to implement compared with the previous framework? He confirmed a strong identification with the established Spanish style—a globally recognized game model. Yet each coach brings his own nuances and perspective that color the evolution of this model. He intends to uphold the possession and collaboration that suits the typical Spain player profile, while introducing personal stylistic touches that heighten the team’s dynamics.
He expressed a preference for rapid ball movement, with fast players exploiting gaps and a readiness to attack the final zones. The plan envisions supplying the strikers with abundant opportunities, driven by a mindset focused on quick, decisive play. The result is a more complete and adaptable national squad ready to compete at the highest level.
Q: Can Spain again be a World Cup contender for 2026? The coach smiled at the idea but reminded that the immediate focus is on the Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Norway and Scotland. He stated that the Nations League clash in June is not the immediate concern; instead, the two Euro qualifiers will set the tone and demonstrate the team’s readiness to a global audience. The aim remains to perform at the maximum level and to begin a strong, confident campaign.
Q: Is the project intended to be long-term, and is the coach prepared to lead a period of lasting change? He affirmed complete trust in the federation’s leadership and emphasized the importance of football’s realities. The focus is on the first two commitments, with a view toward continuity if results allow. While the horizon could extend to future World Cups, he stresses staying present and enjoying the current challenge at the top level, avoiding speculation about tomorrow and concentrating on today’s tasks.
Q: Is becoming the absolute head coach the peak of his career after years in the subcategories? He acknowledged a personal driving principle: continual improvement. He believes he has achieved a rare milestone by leading his national team, yet he remains determined to prove himself through results that extend his tenure. The target is to sustain progress and secure the position through sustained success.
Q: Was this outcome expected? He admitted it was not anticipated. He had found satisfaction in his role and valued the challenges of qualifying for European and Olympic competitions. The situation was surprising, given the positive momentum he believed could continue under the previous leadership.
Q: What went wrong in Qatar? He described football as straightforward in its demands: results drive perception and influence. While acknowledging the work of the former coach, he emphasized the strong foundation laid by Spain and viewed the setup as solid for the future, despite the recent setback.
Q: Would he have done anything differently in the approach or announcements? He noted that football never offers a simple copy-paste solution. Each coach brings a subjective vision that shapes nuances and drives development, but the overall framework remains robust in pursuing improvement.
Q: Have there been conversations with Luis Enrique? He confirmed they exchanged warm messages and maintain a positive, respectful relationship. They agreed to talk again when the time is right, with openness to advice from Luis Enrique and other selectors who have shared insights in the past. He is committed to listening, gathering information, and weighing experiences from others to inform swift and effective decisions.
Q: Should the national team maintain its young core? He affirmed that Spain’s young players exhibit a high level of quality and potential, forming a strong foundation for the future. The plan is to nurture that core while ensuring the most experienced players continue to contribute. The ambition is clear: build a great team, and in capital letters, a great team that competes at the highest level.