In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Spain's national team manager De La Fuente gave a detailed view on the selection and development of players for the national team and the many challenges it faces.
Opportunities for young players
De la Fuente said, "When I took over the Spanish national team, I came up with some ideas and goals, and these are being realized one by one. With the young players, I never hesitated to give them a chance because I knew they were very good. Players such as Olmo, Fabian and Lenormand, whom I know very well, have reassured me of their potential and performance. Olmo, I said he was the best 'number 10' in the world, and his performances at Barcelona proved my judgment once again. These players never miss a beat, they strive for excellence every day and their ceiling depends on their hard work and talent."
Yamal's growth
Speaking about Yamal, De La Fuente said, "Yamal is a player like no other, who feels as if he has been touched by God's magic wand on the ball. We must thank him and his family for choosing to play alongside us. He is a phenomenal player, but still a kid, only 17 years old. He needs to go through difficulties, but we must support him and help him grow through these moments. These types of players show a difference from their peers when they are 17 years old, they are more mature and have a very strong sense of responsibility."
Managing a young portfolio
Of young combinations like Yamal and Nico Williams, de la Fuente believes, "They bring new energy and impact to Spanish soccer. They have created a sense of identity and loyalty with the national team, which helps attract more fans to support the national team. We need to keep a close eye on them because they have that dynamism, that energy, and at the same time they need to understand that they are taking on a huge responsibility."
Pedrie's trust
De La Fuente is also confident in Pedri: "Pedri is an important player in my program. He made his debut in my U21 team at a young age and his talent is notable. Although he has been injured, I am confident that these experiences will help him grow and become a better professional."
Injuries and Fixtures
Speaking on the issue of injuries and scheduling, De La Fuente said, "It's hard to understand the position of the national head coach. There are real problems with the schedule, but it is difficult for us to make a reasonable allocation. We always prioritize the health of our players, but sometimes tough decisions have to be made. I am unhappy about the injury to Garvey, but it was an accident. We need to look for ways to make players feel safer, such as playing fewer games. We need to find a balance between financial benefits and player health."
Responding to the absence of the captain
On the absence of Carvajal and Rodri, de la Fuente said, "They are irreplaceable, but we have to move on. Fortunately, we have great players in Spain. Rodri is one of the best midfielders in the world, but we also have great players like Subbimendi. Carvajal is one of the best wing-backs in the world, but we have other players who can take his place. These tragic and painful injury situations give other players the chance to show their abilities and potential."
