Spain’s players always believed in me, says Euro winner De la Fuente

BERLIN:

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente thanked his players for a record fourth European Championship on Sunday, saying they always believed in him when others didn’t.

De la Fuente replaced Luis Enrique after Spain crashed out of the 2022 World Cup in the last 16, but many doubted whether the 63-year-old had the experience or quality to help La Roja end a decade-long trophy drought.

After a humiliating Euro qualifier defeat to Scotland in March 2023 in his second game in charge, some Spanish media suggested the manager, who had worked with Spain’s youth team, could already be on the brink of the sack .

However, Spain recovered well and have not lost a competitive match since, beating previous holders Italy, hosts Germany and one of the pre-tournament favorites France en route to the Euro 2024 final, where they overcame England with 2-1.

“I was sure that my players believed in me … for a year and a half they have been infallible,” De la Fuente told reporters.

“The only thing that worried me was that the players believed in me and were convinced by what we said.

“Now it’s happiness, pride and enjoyment of this moment that we won — nobody gave us anything for free.”

De la Fuente said he was proud of his team, widely regarded as the best in the tournament.

“This group of players can continue to grow and improve because they don’t get tired of it, fight, try to win, make you proud of them, from the first day to the last, now,” added the coach.

“I’m happy for my country, for Spain, for the excitement we’ve created and I hope (the world) feels the same pride, thanks to all these footballers.”

Spain now boast a squad that in some respects differs from the possession-hungry team that won the 2010 World Cup as well as Euro 2008 and 2012.

Today’s side enjoy counter-attacks at times with the pace of wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, while still being technically gifted and strong on the ball.

“We’ve stayed true to an idea that the players started and understood fantastically,” De la Fuente said.

“We have more flexibility in our game, taking advantage of the characteristics of the players.

“We have pace on the wings, control and possession in the middle and a very solid defence, very secure — that has given us great balance in all aspects of the game.”