Spain will face Albania in their third and final group stage game of the European Championships. Though Spain has already secured top spot in their group, head coach Luis de la Fuente refuses to take the last game lightly.
De la Fuente stated: “We have a great responsibility, representing the honor of our nation. We will treat the game like a final, approaching it with the utmost seriousness and fielding what we consider to be our best lineup to secure a victory.”
Regarding potential distractions from external events, such as the suspension of the Football Federation president, De la Fuente remained steadfast: “We are focused solely on the pitch, unaffected by uncontrollable factors. We remain focused and avoid distractions.”
Regarding team selection, particularly the flexibility of midfielders moving to defensive positions, the coach commented: “Currently, only Nacho’s situation requires consideration, while the rest of the players are in good form. We have dedicated individuals for specific positions, and I personally prefer to avoid taking risks with new configurations.”
The performance of new players like Fermín has also garnered attention, De la Fuente evaluated: “From his debut against Andorra to becoming a part of the national team, everyone has the opportunity to prove themselves, Fermín has already earned the team’s recognition.”
Regarding high expectations from the outside, like the comments from Silvinio regarding Spain’s ability to lift the trophy even with a reserve lineup, De la Fuente responded: “We are naturally happy with the positive external assessments, but we cannot underestimate Albania. They have performed strongly in the qualifiers and are skilled in set piece tactics. Details will decide the game, and we must be fully prepared.”
Concerning comparisons between the potential starlet, Lamine Yamal, and Messi, De la Fuente maintained a cautious optimism: “I don’t make personal comparisons, I won’t compare him to Messi or anyone else. For Lamine, staying humble and working hard are key. I am happy that the team adheres to the principles of humility, caution, and goodwill. Lamine is rapidly growing, and we will support him when he faces challenges.”
The potential influence of player transfers was played down, De la Fuente stated: “Every member of the team is fully dedicated to the national team, striving for a collective victory. Our unified goal is to win every match and continue progressing.”
On the comparison between the current team and the glorious periods of the past, the Spanish coach expressed a practical yet hopeful perspective: “We face it calmly, acknowledging that we have room for improvement. It’s through continuous progress that we maintain our competitiveness. Victory is a constant pursuit, and simultaneously, self-improvement knows no bounds, it is our daily objective. The positive aspect is that we have immense potential for growth, driving us to become more disciplined. After training, we express gratitude for the players’ efforts while also encouraging them to strive for better performance, that is our philosophy.”
Finally, regarding which teams had impressed him in the European Championships, De la Fuente shared: “The true strength and potential of some teams have yet to be revealed, including some of the favorites. However, as the knockout stages unfold, starting from the round of 16, the true faces of the teams will gradually emerge.”
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