Spain national team head coach Luis de la Fuente has warned his squad that past triumphs will count for nothing as they prepare to resume competitive action in the UEFA Nations League against England. Following their recent World Cup victory, the manager insists the team’s hunger remains constant despite carrying a heavy fixture load.
Defending World Champions Refuse to Rest on Laurels Against England
«We are not satisfied with what we have done,» De la Fuente stated ahead of the fixture against England, who currently rank third in the FIFA world rankings. «We want to keep walking and doing important things. The hunger has to be constant and this team has it. What we have done until now is not worth it for us. This team has a very large margin for improvement.»
The upcoming fixture against England marks Spain’s return to the pitch with a second world star on their crest. De la Fuente acknowledged the magnitude of the opponent and the festive atmosphere expected for the encounter, while dismissing any notion that complacency might creep into the locker room following their recent silverware.
Combating Complacency as the Best Is Yet to Come
«Anything can happen tomorrow, but it will not be because of relaxation. The best is yet to come,» De la Fuente said. «I guarantee there will be no relaxation. I know these footballers and I know they want to keep winning and making history.»
Fixture Congestion and Harsh Criticism of Governing Bodies
Addressing the broader calendar, the manager criticized the scheduling demands placed on players by governing bodies. Spain faces a demanding stretch of four UEFA Nations League matches in just ten days, a workload the coach views as excessive and poorly managed.
«Nobody consulted us about anything. We play four matches in 10 days and it seems to me to be a very high demand. It has to be done, but it is not the most appropriate,» De la Fuente said.
Defensive Injuries Force Tactical Adjustments and Youth Integration
Squad selection for the upcoming matches brings some defensive adjustments. With Marcos Llorente and Pedro Porro sidelined due to injuries, opportunities have opened up at right-back. De la Fuente expressed full confidence in his available options, specifically highlighting young talents such as Eric García and Iván Fresneda as evidence of a healthy talent pipeline.
«We are very happy with Eric, Fresneda… We are very happy with what there is,» the coach noted. «Some leave, others arrive. The future we have makes us very calm.»
The manager also reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to the tactical philosophy that has underpinned the nation’s success across multiple age groups over the years, noting that while the team evolves, the foundational ideas remain constant.
Rodri Weighs in on Ballon d’Or Ambitions and Manchester City Legal Case
Following the manager’s press conference, midfielder Rodrigo Hernández addressed reporters regarding both his club situation at Manchester City and individual accolades, including the Ballon d’Or.
«Do you think I don’t want to win it? It doesn’t depend on what I say, it depends on what you do on the pitch,» Rodri said regarding the prestigious award. He downplayed personal ambitions in favor of collective achievements, emphasizing that football remains a team sport built on the efforts of teammates.
On club matters, the midfielder commented on the Manchester City disciplinary case and the recent legal developments surrounding the club. Drawing parallels to an earlier UEFA ruling in 2020, Rodri voiced strong confidence in the institution.
«We lived through an identical process in 2020, if I remember correctly. From the club they always transmitted tranquility and the club was acquitted. Hopefully justice is done now, but I trust in the impunity of that club that I know well and that they transmitted to us the tranquility that they had done everything correctly,» Rodri explained.
The midfielder also touched upon the strong contingent of Barcelona players within the national setup and shared perspectives on coaching styles, noting that while differences exist between club and international management, high standards remain universal across the highest levels of the sport.
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