Spain's coach De la Fuente: 'Nothing to worry about' for the national team
Translated from Vietnamese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente acknowledged difficulties in their draw against a defensively organized opponent.
- He defended the late introduction of young stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, citing a need for confidence and rhythm.
- De la Fuente expressed confidence in the team's unbeaten streak and philosophy, viewing the draw as a useful warning for the World Cup.
Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente admitted his team faced significant challenges against an opponent that employed a deep defensive block. "They are a well-organized team and defended very tightly. We dominated completely, forcing all 10 of their players to retreat into their penalty area," he stated.
They are a well-organized team and defended very tightly. We dominated completely, forcing all 10 of their players to retreat into their penalty area.
Despite creating numerous chances, De la Fuente lamented a lack of precision in the final pass and a bit of luck, as the ball refused to find the net. When questioned about the late substitution of young stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, the 64-year-old strategist explained that the coaching staff wanted to ease them back into play gradually to regain confidence and match rhythm for the long tournament ahead.
Addressing public criticism, the Spanish captain asserted that the team's internal morale remains unshaken. "People can talk, but this team is completely trustworthy. Don't forget that today we reached a milestone of 32 consecutive unbeaten matches. This result was not in the plan, but there is nothing to doubt or worry excessively about."
We created not a few opportunities, but in a day lacking finesse, sharpness in the final pass and a bit of luck, the ball did not want to go into the net.
De la Fuente affirmed that Spain would not alter its playing style. "The issue will be resolved by persevering with the current philosophy. This is the style of play that has led us to win the European Championship and maintain our unbeaten streak for so long. We will continue on this path," he declared.
People can talk, but this team is completely trustworthy. Don't forget that today we reached a milestone of 32 consecutive unbeaten matches.
Concluding the interview, Coach De la Fuente emphasized that the draw served as a valuable warning for Spain. "The match showed how tough the World Cup is. You can do many things but still not win, and you could even lose if you become complacent." He added, "We always keep our feet on the ground and know we need to improve, myself first and foremost. The road is long, and we are very calm because there are still many important matches ahead."
The issue will be resolved by persevering with the current philosophy. This is the style of play that has led us to win the European Championship and maintain our unbeaten streak for so long. We will continue on this path.
Originally published by Tuแปi Trแบป in Vietnamese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.