“Y ou’ve filtered these, right?” Luis de la Fuente inquires with a chuckle as he glances at the laptop displaying the questions before him. He settles into his seat on the third floor of the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, following Spain’s training session ahead of their knockout match against Portugal. Some players remain outside, enjoying the sun in the stadium where Bebeto famously celebrated in 1994. This moment follows a notable performance by Cape Verde against Argentina, illustrating the World Cup’s unique ability 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.”
Given Cape Verde’s recent performance, should the context of Spain’s opening match be reassessed? De la Fuente expresses, ‘Be yourself, enjoy football, with the responsibility that comes with it, the responsibility that you take on, but be yourself.’
When Lamine Yamal was asked about his toughest opponent, he mentioned Nuno Mendes. What advice would de la Fuente offer Yamal for their next encounter? He notes, “Lamine has already faced Mendes both with his club and nationally. Facing top opponents is crucial for a player’s growth; it defines their path. Lamine is a competitor, eager to overcome past challenges, such as his experience in the Nations League final. Time has passed, and he has matured significantly since then. He’s not the same player he was a year ago; he’s become more confident and adept at reading games. I would tell him, ‘Be yourself, enjoy football, embrace the responsibility that comes with it, but above all, be yourself.’”
Inquiring about Borja Iglesias’ significance in the squad, de la Fuente responds, “Borja is an essential player. He’s always preparing and working to be ready when needed. Recently, I felt saddened during the match against Austria when I intended to substitute him and Martín Zubimendi. However, the game dictated a different outcome, leading to an unexpected decision. This squad is filled with players ready to compete whenever called upon. I wish they could all have a chance, but this is a World Cup. Each of them plays a vital role, and Borja’s presence elevates the performance of those around him.”
Is de la Fuente aware of the diverse fanbase that has come to admire the likes of Cucurellas, Yamals, Oyarzabals, and Porros? He remarks, “It’s globalization at play. New dynamics are emerging that bring together different races, beliefs, and ideologies. Football mirrors society, and it has a significant role in fostering integration. Though there are negative aspects to the sport, I prefer to focus on its essence, which is fundamentally positive and beneficial for society; it serves as an agent for unity.”
What is Luis’s favorite Spanish word? He replies, “The word I cherish most is ‘respect.’ With respect as a foundation, anything can be constructed. Coexistence relies on respect. I once read that, and it’s true. It’s a central tenet in my life and in my interactions with players. Even when I don’t explicitly state it, it manifests in my decisions, behavior, and overall attitude. Respect is key.”
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a seleccionador? He asserts, “Selecting players! I always emphasize that while we are coaches, our most crucial and challenging task is player selection. We discuss technical and tactical strategies, which we all understand, but the real difficulty lies in choosing players who best align with those strategies. Ultimately, the hardest part of naming a squad is leaving out someone who could easily fit in.”
When asked if he believes the current midfield can rival that of the 2010 World Cup final, de la Fuente responds, “Both midfields are exceptional. In my opinion, and I say this with the utmost respect to everyone, we possess the best midfield in the world. We have two quality players for each position. I can list them: Rodrigo, Zubimendi, Fabián, Pedri, Olmo, Merino, Baena, Gavi, and Fermín, who is absent due to injury. I might have overlooked someone, and I hope they aren’t upset with me. The midfield from 2010 was extraordinary as well, but football evolves, and I would place us nearly at the same level.”
Regarding Pedri, who many consider the best midfielder globally yet receives little recognition in English media, de la Fuente explains, “He’s a magician! It’s all about quality, talent, and technique. A teacher once told me that true talent is executing highly complex tasks with apparent ease. Pedri embodies that. He performs incredibly difficult tasks that look effortless, a skill few possess. He plays with remarkable ease and sees passes that others overlook. That’s a trait of geniuses.”
What does happiness look like? He responds, “As we age, we realize that happiness is recognizing what truly matters. It encompasses color, life, health, and cherishing moments with family and friends; that’s the essence of happiness.”
On the topic of Spanish tortilla, he states, “Without onion! My mother dislikes onion, though my father and siblings enjoy it. I don’t share that preference. I inherited my mom’s taste. Tortilla is one of my favorite dishes, but it must be without onion.”
Is Oyarzabal a “natural” striker or closer to a false 9? De la Fuente asserts, “He’s an excellent footballer with the remarkable ability to adapt to any position. I recall when people claimed we lacked a center forward; we do have one, albeit a different profile. Mikel has excelled as a media punta, on the right wing, and the left wing, consistently performing well. He comprehends every facet of the game, including key match moments and required decisions. One day, he’ll be a coach because he has an exceptional understanding of the game.”
Reflecting on Spain’s performance against Austria, one might be reminded of Brazil’s rhythmic possession play from 1982. Have you drawn inspiration from Telê Santana’s legendary team? De la Fuente replies, “I’ve always said I know my players very well, and my understanding of the game has evolved, largely due to them. They’ve compelled us to refine our approach according to their strengths. I had an idea, but they enhanced it. A solid foundation is crucial, but ultimately, they are the ones executing and adapting it. It’s about the primary material; that’s where the inspiration lies.”
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