After knocking Germany out of the European Championship and reaching the semi-finals, Spanish national team coach Luis de la Fuente praised his team’s performance in a press conference.
When asked about his opinion on the game’s strategy adjustments, Fuente stated, “At that crucial moment, we controlled the pace of the game and ultimately won this tough battle.”
Addressing the personnel shortage caused by red cards and injuries, he said, “We’ll cherish this historic moment. Pedri suffered a serious collision that could have resulted in a harsher penalty. But I’m not making excuses. If someone can’t play, others will step up. All 26 of our players are ready to face the challenge.”
Regarding Germany’s 22 fouls, he commented, “I’m not surprised, it’s part of football. I’ve experienced football in the 1980s, where fouls were even more aggressive. In top competitions, games are always at the limit, and we must give our all. I respect the opponent’s attitude, but I’m more focused on what we did, which was amazing and something we should be proud of.”
Speaking about the uniqueness of this team, he said, “They have determination and ambition. It’s an honor to lead such a group of players. They’ve won every honor in youth competitions. This team always goes all out because they have heart, pride, and strength. It’s a team you can trust.”
When asked about his assessment of Dani Olmo’s performance, Fuente said, “Every player gave their all, and I knew they wouldn’t let us down. This is a team full of responsibility, a model for the nation and society. I’m very proud to work with them.”
Regarding personal ratings, he responded, “My main concern is earning the love and respect of the players. External opinions don’t matter to me. When we lose, you might criticize me, but I don’t mind, because we always give our best in the game.”
Addressing the current historic moment, Fuente stated, “This is the first time we’ve beaten the host nation and we’ve now achieved five consecutive victories. We’re on a historic journey. We’ll see how far we can go, and the team’s unity is our driving force. We crave everything, pursuing the highest honor. Every step in football and life isn’t easy, but our team is an example of values.”
Finally, he appealed to the fans, “The semi-final is tomorrow, and we need to stay calm. The passionate support of the Spanish people has given us tremendous motivation. We are honored by the attention of millions of viewers. We want to create even more anticipation, but it’s important to enjoy the journey, not just focus on the outcome.”
In a quick interview, Fuente also emphasized, “Today’s game showcased the players’ fighting spirit, their unity, and ultimately, their extraordinary achievement. If they weren’t legends already, they surely are now after today.”
He added, “Every player is ready and prepared to make an impact at key moments. I’m incredibly proud of their performance. Tomorrow we will have recovery training to ensure every player is at their best for the next game.”
Regarding the national team’s position in the hearts of the fans, he said, “It’s a huge honor to represent the national team and have the support of the entire country. These players embody the values of the nation, and their emotions inspire everyone. We don’t know what the future holds, but we’ll always stand tall and place Spain where it belongs.”
Finally, addressing Pedri’s injury and the difficulty of the match, Fuente said, “Pedri did get injured. I think Toni Kroos’ foul on him should have been a red card. Whether he’s on the field or on the bench, he’ll continue to contribute to the team. At this stage of the competition, we have to make the most of all our resources. I have no complaints against German football.”
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