Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach, reveals the worst part of picking World Cup roster

One day after naming the 26 players who will travel to the World Cup with Spain, head coach Luis de la Fuente reviewed his selections during an appearance on TVE’s Los desayunos de La 1. He also discussed Spain’s chances of lifting a second World Cup trophy.

What surprised you most about the reaction to the squad list?

“I don’t want it to sound arrogant, but nothing has affected me negatively. I’ve been able to feel the excitement across the country. I’m proud to be part of that feeling surrounding the national team. We’re going to keep that enthusiasm alive.”

What was the toughest conversation?

“The worst part is when you have to leave out players with whom you have a great relationship. I’ve known some of them for more than 10 years. You suffer because of it. They have to understand that when I change my mind, it’s for the good of the national team.”

Are you worried Real Madrid fans could disconnect from the national team? [No Real Madrid players are in the squad]

“I don’t look at where players come from. The national team itself should motivate them, not their club. My only motivation is sporting merit. I only choose players for the good of the team because otherwise I’d be putting my own job at risk. This is the national team of an entire country.”

Spain’s World Cup chances

Do you consider Spain one of the favorites?

“Decision-making is based first on physical condition. We lost Fermín in recent days. We’ve also been fortunate with the injuries of some players who should still be fit for the World Cup. Winning is very difficult. In life you lose more than you win, and even more so in sports. Internally we’re not saying we’re favorites, but we do feel capable of winning, just like many other teams. There are 10 national teams with a chance to win, and we’re among them. Even if you’re better than your opponent, you can still lose.”

How is Lamine Yamal doing physically?

“Our relationship with every club is very good. We’ve spoken with the medical staffs of all the teams, in England, with Athletic regarding Nico, and others. The physical condition of these players is positive in terms of recovery. I think they could be available for the first game, but we’ll evaluate whether it’s best for them to play right away. We’ll take the necessary risks in a World Cup, but our focus goes beyond just the opening match. Lamine is full of excitement and hope. You never know if you’ll make it to another World Cup, so you have to take advantage of the moment, and this is his moment. Lamine will be even better if his teammates help him.”

Why bring back Eric García after four years?

“It’s all about timing. He was with me at the Under-21 level, but not yet with the senior team. We have to make decisions about taking two players per position and leaving others out.”

Is Mikel Merino a special case for you?

“He is. He represents many of the values this national team has. If I have to carry him in my arms, I will. You always wait for him. He won’t have the same fatigue level or the same workload of minutes as some of his teammates. He’s going to arrive in excellent condition.”

Leadership and pressure

Is Unai Simón your starting goalkeeper?

“People think these decisions are made without thought, but they involve a lot of analysis. Among the 10 best goalkeepers in the world, six are Spanish, and only three can come. I already know who will play the first game.”

Have you felt alone during these last few days?

“I’m privileged. I have a fantastic staff. Karanka does a tremendous job. I’m very calm. These decisions weren’t made on a whim. This is a very carefully thought-out and analyzed squad. It’s the hardest moment because when building the list we consider every possible scenario in every game. All our needs are covered. And I didn’t do that analysis alone. I have many friends, and that keeps me from feeling alone.”

Were there disagreements while putting together the squad?

“Of course. We have different opinions during discussions, although we agree on many names. In the end, the final decision is mine. We might disagree on three players, but think the same way about 22 or 23 others. Nobody gets upset and everyone understands.”

You used to watch Spain a lot as a fan…

“I watched every event. The whole family would gather together. I never imagined I’d make a living from soccer, much less coach the national team. I didn’t even dream about it. I take things day by day, and in the end that approach brought me here.”

Discipline, fitness and leadership

Do you demand strict discipline?

“When you’re 19 and already in elite soccer, you always look for loopholes and I lacked maturity. I did things people my age did, but later you begin to understand and mature. Then you think about the time you wasted.”

How does the national team coach take care of himself?

“I’m in the best moment of my life. You have to know how to live up to the responsibility. My parents taught me principles that allow me to respect myself and other people. I need sports to stay healthy. I wake up early and go exercise. You have to be consistent and feel good internally in order to give your best. I’m passionate about my job. I also have a social life with my friends and family. I’m very happy.”

Spain has only won three World Cup games since 2010…

“I’m not superstitious and statistics don’t affect me. The first game is very important no matter how you arrive. You have to start well so the players can relax and perform better, but that’s always true. I don’t pay attention to those numbers.”

Is Víctor ready to play for Real Madrid?

“The only way to find out is by giving him opportunities. You have to give chances and continuity to people who earn them. That doesn’t mean experience isn’t important. I believe he has tremendous potential and is ready to compete at that level.”

Who do you trust when things aren’t going well?

“I want to mention Dani and Morata, two great captains I’ll miss. They left behind an important legacy. Rodri is the best player in his position. Unai Simón, Oyarzabal, Dani Olmo… They are captains and mature people. They have the leadership needed to guide the team through difficult moments, because those moments will come.”

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