Spain coach De la Fuente: 'Current performance not enough to win World Cup'

Spain's national football team coach Luis de la Fuente has issued a stark assessment of his squad's current capabilities, admitting that their performance thus far in the World Cup is not enough to secure the tournament title. Speaking at a press conference, De la Fuente conveyed a sense of self-imposed high standards, stating, "With what we have done so far, it's not enough to win the World Cup." This reflects a broader team sentiment, as he noted that midfielder Rodri shares this critical perspective.

The coach stressed the imperative for progressive and immediate improvement, especially as Spain prepares to face Portugal in the knockout stage. De la Fuente recalled the recent Nations League final, where Portugal emerged victorious on penalties after a 2-2 draw. While acknowledging it was an exciting match for spectators, he expressed a lingering feeling that Spain could have done more to secure the win, highlighting the importance of small details in determining match outcomes.

De la Fuente also lauded the team's defensive solidity, noting they have not conceded a goal in the tournament. He specifically praised 19-year-old center-back Pau Cubarsí, emphasizing that a player's success relies on more than just footballing skills. "These are young players with control of their emotions and a brilliant interpretation of matches," De la Fuente said, attributing their success to these crucial mental attributes that set them apart.

Despite the candid assessment of the team's current limitations, De la Fuente expressed unwavering faith in his players' potential for growth. He sees significant room for improvement, drawing parallels to the "golden generation" that achieved success in the past. "The fact that you are compared to such brilliant generations is an honor," he remarked, asserting that his current squad has earned their achievements and are on the path to future recognition, with only a World Cup title missing from their accomplishments.