Former Coach Recalls Scaloni as 'Excellent Student' Ahead of World Cup Final

Ginés Meléndez, who directed Spain's National School of Coaches in 2017 when Lionel Scaloni earned his UEFA Pro license, expressed immense pride seeing his former student and Luis de la Fuente, a tactical instructor at the time, reach the World Cup final.

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Scaloni was a very good student, he sat in the front row and his practices and exercises were also very good, he left a great memory.

Meléndez fondly remembers Scaloni as an "excellent student" who sat in the front row and submitted high-quality work. He also noted the presence of other notable figures in that course, including former Argentine players Fernando Redondo and Leo Franco, and Spanish footballers like Andoni Iraola and Manuel Pablo. Montse Tomé, who later coached Spain's women's national team, was also in the class.

Reflecting on De la Fuente's coaching abilities, Meléndez highlighted his skill in team management and player selection, particularly for a national team role. He emphasized that managing a national squad differs from daily club coaching, requiring expertise in player recovery and locker room dynamics. Meléndez specifically mentioned De la Fuente's long-standing support for players like Rodri and Mikel Merino, whom he knew from the U-19 level.

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Luis de la Fuente was a professor of tactics and game systems, it was a wonderful time. It is a pleasure to see them on the sidelines in the final this Sunday. I am very happy for Luis de la Fuente, he is the best of all, he knows how to build a group and choose the best.

The RFEF's coaching course had stringent admission criteria, demanding at least eight seasons as a first-division player, a World Cup or European Championship title with Spain, or a minimum of five international caps.

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The national team requires management, knowing how to recover players who arrive physically battered during the year, managing a locker room. Luis is number one.