Amid phenomenal anticipation in the press room at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s head coach, spoke ahead of the historic World Cup semifinal that will pit Spain against France this Tuesday. These were his impressions.

Deschamps says Spain are the favorites. How do you see it?

“Being the favorite doesn’t mean anything. It’s not decisive. Two great teams are facing each other. Pressure? I don’t get it. As Caparrós used to say, ‘Do you think they won’t show up?’ Our responsibility is with our people.”

How do you stop Mbappé, Dembélé, Doué, Olise — do they keep you up at night?

“We know France well. They have exceptional players — but so do we. The key is imposing our style and minimizing theirs. We’ll be watching those players closely. Whoever stays most balanced has the best chance. But even then, nothing guarantees a win.”

What does it add to the national team when Pedri or Fabián play?

“Each has his strengths. Each gives us what we need — support near the 6, connection with the 10. And they can play together. If I have doubts, I’ll just put both in and problem solved.”

Lessons learned from the 5–4 Nations League clash

“Different match, different context. We learned a lot, and so did they. We’ll try to repeat the scenarios that worked for us and avoid the ones that didn’t — like those last 15 minutes when we went from 5–1 to 5–4. Their transitions are dangerous.”

Is it possible for a coach to sit back and enjoy a game of this magnitude?

“I enjoy it, thank God. But responsibility goes hand in hand with enjoyment. It’s a privilege to be here. We’re protagonists now. We embrace the responsibility — without letting it make us nervous.”

How is this France side different to the 2023–24 team?

“They’re a better team — just like we are. Players grow. Mbappé, Pedri, Dembélé… they’ve all improved their control, their experience, their performances.”

Has Spain shown during this tournament that they have what it takes to beat France?

“There’s always room to improve. France is a team of maximum demand, number one in the world rankings. We can’t give them chances.”

It’s Lamine Yamal’s birthday. What did you say to him?

“He’s only 19. I tell him to stay calm and enjoy it. His big day in this World Cup is still coming. Hopefully tomorrow. And if we advance… maybe in the final.” (laughs)

You’ve coached this generation of players since youth level. What does that mean to you and what message do you have for them?

“I want them to enjoy it. Be ourselves, be strong in our strengths, respect theirs. We’re here because we want to be in the final. Winning the World Cup would be the cherry on top. But let me repeat… what if we do?”

What do you think of the criticism Mbappé received?

“Criticism is free. But he’s a phenomenal player. I admire spectacular football, and Kylian is one of the greats.”

What thoughts go through your head 24 hours before kickoff?

“Julius Caesar said there’s no great achievement without suffering. If you want something important, you have to leave something behind. We’re ready to suffer. I tell my players every day: we can be better, because we’re very good.”

Will Merino start on the bench?

“I’m very lucky. Twenty‑six players, three per position. Details decide everything — the characteristics of each player and the opponent. I’m calm. I don’t make many mistakes.”

Del Bosque said his players were ‘romantics’ - are you?

“I’m very romantic. I like Julio Iglesias… how could I not be? I tell the players to enjoy the moment. They’re privileged. That’s all I tell them — see how soft I am?”

Are you remembering your parents and your brother during this moment?

“A lot. They would’ve loved this. I think of them often. Thank you for asking.”

Have you been praying a lot?

“I pray every day. I don’t ask for results. I ask for health and the strength to keep fighting. I’m a warrior — I fight for everything because I have health.”

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