In this video
- Asked in translation what he told the players after the defeat, De la Fuente said he wanted to value what they had achieved. The next World Cup is their objective now.
- Asked in translation why Lamine Yamal came off, De la Fuente said Spain wanted fresh legs and to control the game a little. He said Yamal is only 17 and has had a physically demanding year.
- In translation, De la Fuente said all his players wanted to take penalties, and he was the one who told Morata to take his. He called Morata a real champion and a benchmark for Spain.
- Asked in translation what went worst, De la Fuente said he does not know exactly what could have changed. Spain could maybe have done better with some chances, but he said the winner is always a fair winner.
- Told Spain had twice as many shots, De la Fuente said in translation that this is the paradox of football. The goalkeeper opposite was really good, and the data says Spain did many things right.
- Asked in translation if Spain have changed in two years, De la Fuente said he does not know. He is convinced this team will always be in a position to win, as they work towards the same goal.
- Asked in translation about the group for the World Cup, De la Fuente said it is not a change of cycle, as his team is young. Spain will keep working with this generation and the same idea.
- In translation, De la Fuente said that for him Lamine Yamal is the best player and has done a lot this year to win the Golden Ball. He thinks Yamal has everything to be chosen, not only nominated.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente delivers an emotional and powerful post-match press conference after his team’s narrow defeat to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final.
He opened with heartfelt condolences for a fan who tragically passed away, reminding everyone of what truly matters beyond football. The coach then revealed his emotional message to the squad, shifting their mindset toward the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
De la Fuente defended his decision to substitute Lamine Yamal, explaining the young star was physically and mentally drained after an incredible season. He also stood by Álvaro Morata, taking full responsibility for the missed penalty and praising Morata’s leadership.
Tactically, he explained his starting choices—including the use of Mingueza over Pedro Porro—and emphasized that Spain executed their game plan well despite the result. He acknowledged Spain’s dominance in stats but credited Portugal’s clinical edge.
Looking ahead, he dismissed the idea that this marks the end of a cycle for Spain, praising the youth, depth, and consistent elite-level performance from his squad.
And when it came to Lamine Yamal’s Ballon d’Or chances, De la Fuente didn’t hold back: “He deserves it.” A strong statement from a coach who believes in his young star’s global rise.
