De la Fuente’s Unique Approach to Coaching Spain
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has garnered attention not only for his team’s success in Euro 2024 but also for his unique coaching style. De la Fuente, who is deeply religious, explains that he crosses himself before games as an expression of his faith rather than as a superstition. He believes that without God, nothing in life makes sense. This belief in a higher power extends to his handling of the Spain squad, which he considers to be a special group of players.
De la Fuente’s Journey with the Spanish Football Federation
De la Fuente’s journey with the Spanish football federation (RFEF) spans over a decade. He first achieved success in 2015 when he won the European Under-19 Championship with a team that included future stars Rodri and Mikel Merino. In 2019, he led the U21 team to victory in the European Under-21 Championship, with players like Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal making their mark. Even at the Tokyo Olympics, De la Fuente led the Spanish team to a silver medal. Throughout these tournaments, De la Fuente has built relationships with players, supporting them through both good times and bad.
The Importance of Leadership on the Field
De la Fuente’s leadership style is reflected in his choice of team captains. Despite the hype surrounding Sergio Ramos, De la Fuente decided not to reintroduce him as captain. Instead, he put his faith in Alvaro Morata, a player known for his dedication to the team’s welfare and unity. On the pitch, Rodri serves as the general, while Aymeric Laporte motivates the defense with his incessant talking. These three leaders, each with their unique personalities, form the backbone of De la Fuente’s team.
Attention to Detail and Winning Mentality
De la Fuente’s success as a coach can be attributed to his attention to detail and winning mentality. He recognizes the importance of every member of the team, not just the star players on the pitch. After each game, he insists on a team picture that includes all staff members, from physios to kit managers. De la Fuente believes that this unity contributes to the team’s success. He also pays close attention to his rivals’ style of play, but focuses more on his team’s strengths rather than over-analyzing the opposition.
The Value of Good Character in the Squad
One of De la Fuente’s core principles is valuing good character over skill when selecting players for his squad. He believes that a good person will go the extra mile for their teammates, accept being benched, and give their best when called upon. This philosophy is evident in his interactions with the players. He praised Lamine Yamal not only for his goal against France but also for sacrificing himself to stop Theo Hernandez, which earned him a yellow card. When Dani Olmo scolded Yamal for failing to track back, De la Fuente emphasized the need for encouragement and positivity.
Spain’s Desire for Victory
As Spain faces England in the Euro 2024 final, there is a stark contrast in mindset between the two teams. England needs to win, while Spain desires it. The Spanish side believes they have what it takes to win the tournament, while England feels the pressure to deliver after a series of disappointing performances. The outcome of the match will have a significant impact on the future of Spanish football, with a victory signaling a new era of success and rejuvenating interest in the national team.
In conclusion, Luis de la Fuente’s coaching approach goes beyond tactics and strategies. His faith and belief in unity and good character have shaped the Spain squad into a cohesive and successful team. With his calm demeanor and attention to detail, De la Fuente has fostered a winning mentality that has propelled Spain to the Euro 2024 final. Whether they win or lose, the future looks promising for Spanish football, and De la Fuente’s influence will undoubtedly continue to shape the national team.