Luis de la Fuente, Spain's manager, sat down with Sid Lowe in Dallas after training ahead of the last-16 World Cup match against Portugal. He answered readers' questions, touching on memories, player advice, and team comparisons.
Memories of the World Cup
De la Fuente recalled Andrés Iniesta's goal as the defining World Cup image for Spain. 'Because of what it means for Spain, it has to be Iniesta's goal. It's not very original but that's the image of the World Cup for us.' He added that he would have been at home watching if not coaching, noting that Spain games were family events at his parents' house in Haro, La Rioja.
Cape Verde's Performance
Asked if Cape Verde's strong showing changes the context of Spain's first game, De la Fuente said he predicted a historic World Cup with emerging teams. 'We were not surprised by their performance. I said that what they do, they do very well.'
Advice for Lamine Yamal
Regarding Lamine Yamal's fear of Nuno Mendes, De la Fuente advised: 'Be yourself, enjoy football, with the responsibility that comes with it.' He noted Yamal's growth since the Nations League final loss to Portugal, saying 'Lamine is not the player he was a year ago; he's another player, more mature, more assured.'
Borja Iglesias' Role
De la Fuente stressed that Borja Iglesias is a very important player who prepares to be ready when needed. He regretted not being able to substitute him in the Austria match due to game flow, but emphasized that all squad members are crucial.
Globalisation and Integration
On the diverse backgrounds of players like Cucurella, Yamal, Oyarzabal, and Porro, De la Fuente said: 'Football is a reflection of society. There's a role for football to play in integration. Football is a powerful tool for unity, a school of values.'
Favourite Word: Respect
His favourite word is 'respect'. 'With respect as the starting point, you can build anything. The edifice of coexistence is built upon foundations of respect.' He uses it with players, reflected in decisions and behaviour.
Hardest Part of Being Seleccionador
The hardest part is selecting players. 'You have to choose, and the hardest thing when you name a squad is leaving out someone who could be here perfectly.'
Comparing Midfields: 2010 vs Now
De la Fuente boldly claimed: 'In my opinion, and I say this with the greatest of respect to everyone, we have the best midfield in the world. We have two players per position who are the best players.' He listed Rodrigo, Zubimendi, Fabián, Pedri, Olmo, Merino, Baena, Gavi, and Fermín (injured). He rated the current midfield almost equal to the 2010 World Cup-winning side.
Pedri's Unique Ability
On Pedri, he said: 'He's a magician. He does things that are extremely difficult and it seems easy. Very few people can do that. He plays with an astonishing ease. He sees passes the rest of us don't see. That's something geniuses have.'
Happiness and Tortilla
Asked what colour happiness is, De la Fuente replied: 'Happiness is colour, life, health, and it's being able to enjoy moments with family and friends.' On tortilla española, he prefers it without onion, inheriting his mother's taste.
Oyarzabal's Versatility
He described Mikel Oyarzabal as a top footballer who can play any position. 'He understands every aspect of the game, the moments of a match, the decisions he has to take. And one day he will be a coach, because he sees the game so well.'
Inspiration from Telê Santana
De la Fuente said his idea evolved because of the players' qualities. 'Those players have forced us to evolve an idea according to their qualities. I knew I had an idea, but they made my idea better. In the end, it's about the primary material. That's where the inspiration is.'
