After defeating Serbia 3-0 at home in the UEFA Nations League and successfully locking up a place in the tournament, Spain manager De La Fuente attended a press conference to recognize his team's performance and answer questions of interest to the media.
De la Fuente began by thanking the people of Cordoba: "Allow me to express my gratitude to Cordoba, we are very happy to receive such a warm reception everywhere we go in Spain. We are building a very important bond for the future. In Cordoba, I felt very comfortable and the reaction of the fans was fantastic. In Andalucía, you can just throw a stone and hit several great players."
In response to the notion that he has become egotistical by asking for an extension, De La Fuente said, "The people who say that expose themselves. You guys know what kind of guy I am, period."
Speaking on whether the team should get used to winning often, De La Fuente said, "That's a happy question and we hope that stays the case. But when you win often, you're also closer to losing. We're looking for more every day, and this team is never satisfied athletically, always wanting more. We like this form and will try to see how far we can go. If it doesn't work out, it's because there are strong opponents, then that's okay because that's how sport is. We will start a new phase of the competition, but to beat us, the opponents will have to do very well to do so."
On the question of starting the game with only four players who played in the Europa League final, but keeping the level of the team the same, De La Fuente said, "I know my players very well and I am surprised that you are surprised by the performance of these players. Regardless of the name, they never disappoint. We're solid and I've made very few mistakes since I took over. We have a present and a future. Some of the players have built up loyalty to our philosophy and the new arrivals have been quick to pick up the message, which makes things easier."
De La Fuente also talked about the reason why the team can now have 30 starters: "We have put together a great work team, we are a big family, such a cohesive team that gives us a lot of strength. We share the same pain, it's all about teamwork, so everything is much easier."
On the fans' reaction, De La Fuente said, "We have to get back the spirit of 2010. That spirit has been there for a long time, we just need to nourish it. The results also help. We have to work together. I am proud to live in Spain, to be Spanish and to have these fans."
Speaking about why he was happier than Morata after he scored, De La Fuente said, "I was happy for the fans in Murcia and Cordoba chanting his name. Things are changing, we are starting to be fair to a good player, a good person and starting to respect the value of a good captain."
On the distribution of penalties between Oyarzaval and Morata, De La Fuente said, "Both of them are penalty specialists and we always say that the one who is in the best form takes the penalty. Mikel (Oyarzaval) also wanted Alvaro (Morata) to take the penalty. Then Morata scored a goal and we were very happy. It's great to have a motivated and happy Morata."
De La Fuente also spoke about the change in the team's style: "The characteristics of the players have changed, and we have taken a different approach to the sides. But our philosophy hasn't changed, we've always stayed true to our philosophy. These players offer us other possibilities and make us more unpredictable and more versatile."
On the direct free kick scored by Baena in the match, De La Fuente said, "We have very good free kick specialists. Alex (Baena) played a good game, the goal was well deserved and he deserves the fans' love."
Finally, on the question of whether Spain, already out of the tournament, will be criticized if they still call up starters like Yamal in November, de la Fuente said, "We want to take first place in the group. This is the Spanish national team, not a game between neighboring communities. We have to compete at the highest level with the best Spanish players. The players are very happy to be here and in November the best players will return again."
