In this video
- Asked whether Nico Williams has any problem, De la Fuente said in translation all his players are in perfect condition and fit to play tomorrow. He added that Williams is just perfect.
- Asked if Spain are now favourites, De la Fuente said in translation there are no favourites at a final four like this. It will be decided by small details, and anybody can win.
- Told UEFA ruled months later that a handball should have been a penalty, De la Fuente joked in translation about three months of replays. He has never complained about referees, and at the time it was not called.
- Asked if this tournament could sway the Ballon d'Or, with Lamine Yamal in the running, De la Fuente said in translation he would vote for him, or for whichever Spain player is nominated.
- Asked about protecting Lamine Yamal, De la Fuente said in translation coaches must take care of the details at his age. If he keeps progressing like this, he thinks Yamal will be a football legend.
- Asked what matters most for the Ballon d'Or, De la Fuente said in translation the first thing is the quality of the footballer, naming greats like Maradona and Messi. Titles reinforce that.
- Asked if France are weakened by three missing defenders, De la Fuente said in translation he does not think so. They have enough players for three or four national teams, and Spain have injuries too.
- Asked about facing France's attackers, De la Fuente said in translation Spain will be stronger by working as a team and helping each other. It is France who have to worry about Spain's players too.
Luis de la Fuente is locked in before Spain’s massive Nations League semifinal against France — and the spotlight is shining on one name: Lamine Yamal.
The Spain coach confirmed that Fabián Ruiz is fully fit and ready to play despite a short recovery time after his Champions League triumph. He also reassured fans that the entire squad is in great condition, including Nico Williams.
But the real focus? Lamine. De la Fuente called him “special” and mature beyond his years, even going as far as to say he’d vote for him, Fabián, or Pedri for the Ballon d’Or.
De la Fuente highlighted Spain’s team chemistry, saying their strength lies in collective play, not individuals — but don’t get it twisted. He’s confident in the magic of Pedri, Olmo, and Yamal to break through France’s backline.
He also took a subtle jab at VAR inconsistencies, referencing the Cucurella handball incident, and reminded everyone that Spain’s journey through the Nations League is no fluke: “10 matches to win, against the best in Europe.”
The message is clear — Spain are ready, and Lamine Yamal is about to show the world why he’s built for the big stage.
