De la Fuente: "I’m not Arrogant, but If I Were, I Would Have Earned It"
Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s head coach, responded to critics questioning his confident demeanor, asserting that he is not "arrogant" but that he would have earned the right to be after winning the Nations League and the Euro, with a team that maintains a high level of play, as demonstrated in the win over Serbia at El Arcángel.
"Whoever says that only exposes themselves," he said in a brief initial response during the press conference when asked about the criticism of being arrogant. Later, he elaborated, defending his right to feel that way.
"We’ve built a fantastic team, with an amazing coaching staff, the best in the world. There's a true family spirit, and that brings unity and strength. The credit goes to everyone; it’s a team effort. It’s not about being arrogant—it’s just stating facts. The earth is round, even though some think it’s flat. You can’t argue with facts. I’m very calm; I’m not arrogant, but if I were, I would have earned it, while others rely on charisma. I’m humble, and I won’t change," he said.
Spain has secured 16 wins in their last 17 matches, with only one draw, also against Serbia, whom they convincingly defeated in Córdoba to secure their spot in the Nations League quarter-finals within four matchdays.
"Having high expectations is a good problem to have, and hopefully it stays that way for a long time. When you’re on a winning streak, you’re closer to losing, but we aren’t satisfied—we want more. This is a team that is insatiable in a sporting sense. We play with joy, enjoying every match, which makes it hard to curb that hunger. Let’s see how far we can go," he reflected.
De la Fuente started the game without any players from Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Atlético de Madrid, and he made a point of praising his squad. "I know them very well, and I’m surprised anyone is surprised by their level. Just because they don’t play for certain clubs, it seems like they aren’t as important. I know the kind of performance they deliver, regardless of how big their name is. They play very well."
Captain Álvaro Morata ended his goal drought with the national team, a reason for collective joy, as the coach acknowledged while thanking the support the team received from fans in Murcia and Córdoba.
"I’m happy because the fans chanted Álvaro’s name in Murcia and Córdoba. I think things are changing. We’re finally being fair to a great footballer and a great person, recognizing the worth of an excellent captain. Today, we said a private farewell to Navas, but I’ll remember the recognition given to Morata—it was exceptional," he said.
"We have two penalty specialists, Álvaro and Mikel (Merino). Whoever feels better takes it—there’s no debate. Mikel wanted Álvaro to take it, and then he scored, and we were even happier than he was. It’s good to see him energized and motivated. The celebration shows the team spirit within the group," he added.
After the debates De la Fuente has had to navigate during this international window, with numerous injuries and Lamine Yamal being overworked by playing 91 minutes against Denmark, the coach made it clear what his plan will be for November, despite already having secured a spot in the quarter-finals.
"We want to finish first—this is the Spanish national team, not a neighborhood community game. We are obliged to play at the highest level with Spain’s best players, and the players are thrilled to be here and represent the national team. In November, we’ll call up those we believe are the best," he concluded.
