In this video
- Asked if he was unhappy after suffering until the very end, De la Fuente said in translation he is happy and enjoys suffering. He does not understand football without it when two great teams meet.
- Asked how Spain choose penalty takers, De la Fuente said in translation there is zero improvisation. They have a few specialists and work on it every session, and he picks one depending on the moment.
- Asked about Unai Simon, De la Fuente said in translation all three goalkeepers could start, but Simon has always been an absolute guarantee. He was happy for him after some media mistreated him.
- Asked about a player in only his second Spain match, De la Fuente said in translation he is more mature than he should be for his age. It was no discovery, as they had seen him in the youth teams.
- Asked if the players know how hard a third final in three years is, De la Fuente said in translation it is very difficult to reach finals. The team is hungry and wants to keep competing and winning.
- Asked how Cristiano Ronaldo still plays at this level at 40, De la Fuente said in translation he has limitless admiration for him. It is great to see a player of his age still playing and so fit.
- Asked why Pedri swapped positions midway through, De la Fuente said in translation Spain were struggling to keep the ball against France's high pressing. With Pedri deeper, they kept it more fluidly.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente spoke passionately after his team’s dramatic 5-4 victory over France in the UEFA Nations League semifinal, calling it the kind of football he lives for.
De la Fuente praised the team’s mentality, embracing the chaos of high-scoring matches and highlighting the tactical brilliance of players like Pedri and Oyarzabal. He made it clear—he’d gladly take 5-4 wins every week.
He explained the pre-planned penalty structure, backing Lamine Yamal for his bravery, while also defending Unai Simón amid past criticism.
De la Fuente singled out Pau Cubarsí (nicknamed Hausen) for his maturity and technical strength, drawing parallels to Rodri, and celebrated Spain’s incredible run to a third consecutive final.
Looking ahead to the showdown with Portugal, he praised Cristiano Ronaldo’s professionalism and framed the final as a battle between two elite footballing nations.
With young stars rising and veterans stepping up, De la Fuente believes this Spain squad is writing history.
