Luis de la Fuente made no secret of his desire to win the Coaches’ Golden Ball, as he is among the four nominees for the award.
The Spanish national team coach emphasized that both he and the other nominees have done everything necessary to be in the running, while also expressing his hope to see a Spaniard win the award in both the coaches’ and players’ categories.
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Speaking ahead of the match against Croatia, De la Fuente also addressed potential changes to the starting lineup, the condition of the national team players, and the significance of his return to Seville.
Here is what he said in detail:
On the Coaches’ Golden Ball: “I don’t know what the voting criteria are. I hope a Spaniard wins, both in the players’ category and in the coaches’ category. All four of us have done what it takes to be in the running. I’m very happy to be a nominee.”
On whether he would like to win the award: “I’m proud and happy to be among the nominees. We have the same rights and the same case as the others to win it. It would bring me immense joy; I’d really like to win it. Let them know this: I’d really like to win it.”
On the changes to the starting lineup: “It makes sense that there will be some changes. We want to freshen up the team, and we have 26 players who are ready to play. Tomorrow, we believe we need to inject some energy into certain positions. All the players are in excellent shape.”
On Croatia: “Of course they have a chance. There’s no such thing as an easy opponent or a perfect day. We know Croatia very well, and they have high-quality players. We’ll have to put in an even better performance than the one we had in London against England.”
On Spain’s depth: “Since I took over the national team, the players who have made the biggest impact in most games are the ones coming off the bench. As Merino said, we want to foster a sense that we’re a team. Everyone has the right to play, because they’re all very good.”
On the players’ condition: “All 26 are at 100 percent.”
On Eric García and the decision to rest him: “If we were in the final stages, he would have played. We would all have taken that risk.” For tomorrow’s game, however, he wouldn’t have been available, and looking ahead to the third match, there was a chance he might or might not be able to play. It wasn’t worth taking that risk. Under no circumstances did we want to create a conflict with the player.”
On his return to Sevilla: “There are times when I say I don’t recognize myself compared to when I started coaching 25 years ago. A lot has changed. I’d tell the young Luis back then not to give up and to keep being consistent. Life has shown me that if you do that, opportunities will come your way.”
On the excitement surrounding the national team: “It’s an honor. We’ve rediscovered the spirit of 2010. People are proud to feel Spanish. I’m proud to be my country’s coach. Being in Seville stirs up very special feelings. It’s a very special city in my life.”
*photo source: AP
