There are still two games left in 2024, this Friday against Denmark in Copenhagen and Monday against Switzerland in Tenerife, but Luis de la Fuente is clear that the Spanish team’s year is outstanding, after winning the European Championship in Germany in the summer. “I am one of those who think that there is always room for improvement. But objectively, based on data, it is difficult to improve this year,” the coach congratulated himself.
However, the Rioja coach is already thinking about new challenges and objectives. “In 2025 there is another final four of the Nations League to win,” he put red as his duties.
Maybe someone is surprised or knows me more now because I’m playing in the League. “I knew that at Barça I would do well.”
Spain needs a draw at Parken to mathematically certify first place in the group and be seeded in the quarterfinals of the Nations, but De la Fuente does not want to speculate. “It is a very important game. We want to be first in the group and continue with the winning dynamic we have. We don’t do speculations. Let’s win and leave the first position settled. It’s that simple. We are not afraid of another approach,” he assured.
The coach has encountered the inconvenience that the match means the debut of Brian Riemer on the Danish bench. “I don’t know him, I know his career. I understand that he must be a good coach because he has been working in the Premier League (he was an assistant) and now at Anderlecht,” he confessed. This novelty has given more work to the Spanish coaching staff. “Our analysts are doing a great job with what he was doing at Anderlecht but we have also seen what the previous coach did. We are prepared for either of the two alternatives. Tactically the match can be very interesting. Because we want to be protagonists.”
We don’t do speculations. Let’s win and leave the first position settled. “It’s that simple”
De la Fuente referred to Cubarsí’s last-minute call to replace the injured Pau Torres. “I already had a clear idea with Pau Cubarsí. When we saw the performance with the mask against Real Sociedad, we had no more doubts. “I think we are well covered,” he dedicated to the Barça youth center back.
Once again, in a call for the national team, there was a lot of talk about how saturated the calendar is. “It is excessive that there are so many games. Rest is important. Playing every three days is dangerous,” said Dani Olmo. “We prepare to be at 100% but the body, in the end, has a limit. We have to reconsider the calendar. Although I’m not saying that the injuries were only for that reason,” the playmaker reflected.
“Rodri deserved the Ballon d’Or. That day Spanish football won.”
The Barcelona player commented on the increase in matches in recent years. “If before there were 40-50 games, now there are 70 or 80 for the players who reach the finals. But we are professionals and we have to be prepared without excuses,” he agreed.
The one from Terrassa admitted that he feels important in the national team and now that he has signed for Barcelona. “I already knew what a player I am. Maybe some of you are surprised or know me more now because I’m playing in the Spanish League. I knew that at Barça I would do well because I have teammates here in the national team with whom I understand each other wonderfully. I had no doubt,” he says about his good adaptation.
Finally, the footballer described Rodri as fair for the Ballon d’Or. “Rodri deserved it. There were other candidates like Carvajal. But seeing Rodri at the gala celebrating was very nice. What he said in his speech conveys what many of us think, which is an award for Spanish football. That day Spanish football won.” A Spanish football that can round off a spectacular 2024 in Copenhagen.
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