Luis de la Fuente, the Spanish coach, spoke from Cyprus and was consulted about the Barcelona player’s incident with Lewandowski.
From Cyprus, where La Roja is preparing for a crucial Euro 2024 qualifier, the Spanish coach shared his reflections this Wednesday as the team readies for the penultimate group-stage match. Cyprus serves as the backdrop for Spain’s latest effort to secure a strong position in the standings ahead of the tournament, with the focus on finishing at the top of the group alongside Scotland. The path to Euro 2024 involves a two-match stretch that will determine seeding, and the better seed means avoiding the toughest opponents in the early rounds.
Fans can follow Cyprus vs. Spain live online as the qualifying phase for Euro 2024 in Germany continues. The comments below capture De la Fuente’s tone and approach in the press room as he weighs the challenges ahead and the opportunities that lie in wait.
Below are De la Fuente’s most notable comments from the press conference:
Do you consider the play as a rehearsal?
He described the session as more than a simple rehearsal. The aim is to sharpen abilities and build on prior performances. The goal is steady improvement every day, with a clear sense that there is still significant room to grow. He highlighted the presence of very capable players who are eager to elevate their game and rise to the occasion.
Possible favorites for the Euro:
He named several traditional contenders—France, England, Germany, Portugal, Italy—while acknowledging that surprises are common at major tournaments. Croatia is singled out for its consistent performance in competitions. He emphasized that national teams often appear evenly matched, noting that although there are classic powerhouses, many squads possess eleven high-quality players. The takeaway was that the field is tighter than it sometimes appears, and margins matter in every match.
Rise of two places in the FIFA rankings
Moving up two positions in the FIFA rankings is welcomed as a sign of progress, yet the coach stressed that improvement must continue as the European Championship approaches. The focus remains on earning better results and proving the team’s growing strength with each game.
Situation of Ferran and Gayà:
All players are available, with Ferran and Gayà having trained as a precaution the day before and subsequently cleared for selection. The depth of the squad provides flexibility for the coaching staff as they plan rotation and tactical setups.
Favoritism during the European Championship:
The coach asserted a readiness to compete for wins, noting that several teams are operating at a similar level. He underscored the importance of a competitive mindset and the way small details can steer results in one direction or another. The aim is to translate effort into favorable outcomes across the tournament.
Young people and people of Olympic age:
The experiences from the Olympic Games stand out as invaluable. The coach reflected on how the absence of pandemic restrictions would have altered the atmosphere and preparation. He indicated that Santi Denia is leading the Olympic project and that decisions about the future will be made in due course. The approach remains pragmatic: assessment now, with a view toward what lies ahead in the European Championships and beyond. The plan is for Santi to continue steering the Olympic squad if circumstances require it, given the progress observed and earned trust.
Bitter defeat in 1998:
He admitted that memories of past disappointments still linger for some fans, but he stressed that football evolves and that the current mindset is forward-looking. The prevailing idea is to give every match full effort and avoid any drop in intensity. He warned against complacency, stressing that concentration is key to building powerful teams capable of competing at the highest level in every fixture.
Distribution of minutes in these two matches:
He spoke about the two upcoming matches as critical milestones on the road to growth. The plan is to keep the squad competitive and ready, ensuring those who take the field contribute meaningfully. Every match is treated with the same seriousness as a final, and no player is taken for granted. The emphasis is on maintaining depth while keeping the team cohesive and focused on the objective of advancing confidently through the rounds.
How is Lamine Yamal doing after the Lewandośki incident:
Yamal is thriving and focused. The episode has been resolved, and his readiness to compete in the next game brings reassurance to the squad. His positive outlook reinforces the sense that the team can rely on young talents to deliver when it matters most.
You have only worked for the Spanish national team, what is the reason?
He expressed gratitude for the privilege of his role and emphasized the joy of working with the national setup. The commitment to the job remains strong, underlining a sense of purpose and satisfaction in contributing to Spain’s footballing ambitions.
Do you think the time has come for you to win the European Championship?
The coach stated that daily improvement is the focus. With two important matches on the horizon against Cyprus and Georgia, there is a clear sense of momentum. In the medium term, the pursuit of continental glory remains a priority, and the team must cultivate maturity and the capacity to compete at the highest level for the longest possible spell. The message was one of determination to contend for the European title when the opportunity arises, backed by a steady process of development and preparation.
Note: The above overview reflects the press conference remarks, illustrating the team’s mindset, player status, and strategic outlook as it advances through the qualifying rounds.