The win against Georgia was a boost for Luis de la Fuente’s continuity as coach of Spain, but the resignation on Sunday of Luis Rubiales as head of the Federation once again clouded the preview of a match, in this case against Cyprus. The coach asked to put the focus on football and said he respected the decision of the outgoing president, while also vindicating his role: “I have been here for eleven years and no one has given me anything, I have earned it,” he said.
“I have already said everything I had to say. “I have the utmost respect for the decision that Mr. Rubiales has made.” With this response, Luis de la Fuente, national coach, tried to settle the issue of the resignation of the president of the federation. On up to six occasions he was questioned about what happened with evasive answers until he wanted to express his chest regarding his relationship with the outgoing president. “I have been in the Federation for eleven years. I have lived here long before Luis Rubiales arrived. I feel happy to be here and no one has given me anything, I have earned it. “I thank everyone who has helped me get here, but I haven’t spoken to him,” he said, somewhat annoyed.
De la Fuente received a lot of criticism for applauding Rubiales’ speech, but after explaining himself in a press conference and asking for forgiveness for his attitude, he has decided to focus solely on football. “I deal with what I can control. I talk about what concerns me. The team and we think about football and we live in a bubble focused on the responsibility we have. We have to focus on football, ”he assured.
He also said he accepted the criticism with sportsmanship, although when asked how he manages the pressure, De la Fuente was somewhat more cryptic. “It helps that I have been in football for 40 years. I have been a coach for 26 years. I think I will have some experience,” he said.
During the press conference he also discussed the situation of Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal. “I have seen the evolution of Ferran and he needs a boost so that he can once again be the player we need. He is a very important player for Spanish football, ”he assured. And for a 16-year-old from Barça, De la Fuente asked for “time and calm. He will have saw peaks. Let’s not be too cruel to him. But he has enormous potential and he must develop it, ”he concluded.
