On July 25, coach Luis de la Fuente talked about his work philosophy, Spain’s journey to winning Euro 2024, and praised Alvaro Morata and Lamine Yamal.
How do you feel after winning the European Championship?
– Full of emotions and grateful to all the people of Spain. I am proud of what has been achieved and how the whole team accomplished it. The key to success is what I always say: work, work, and keep working. If the whole team did not have that spirit, we could not have won. But we want more and can continue to improve. Every day, we can improve a little, continue to grow.
How has life changed for you on the streets as a continental champion?
– The impact of the media is very important. I always feel very respected. Wherever I go, I am treated well. Now, fortunately, even when I go to a place I don’t usually visit, I still feel that affection. What I appreciate most is that the entire Spanish population is sharing this achievement. Seeing people happy and proud of what the team has achieved makes me the happiest.
Compared to yourself two weeks, a month, or a year ago, how are you now?
– The essence of a person does not change. I still live by the old philosophy, trying to be a better professional and, above all, a better person every day. I always think, whether it’s today, a year ago, or 15 years ago, to help make the lives of those around me better. I try to follow the advice of Mother Teresa of Calcutta: never let anyone come to you without leaving better and happier, even if only a little. I try to do that every day.
How do you handle criticism?
– There is a saying: there is no greater contempt than being ignored. Nothing. Life teaches you what really matters, which is the happiness of the people around you. That’s what I care about. You can’t please everyone. Let each person analyze what they do or say. I have a very clear conscience.
I had to stop listening to, watching, or reading everything about myself and the whole team. There were times when I told myself I did it first for my mental health and independence, that I couldn’t be aware of everything. So, I only care about the good things. I am not affected by negative things. If I make a decision that I believe is right, I will continue to do so.
Spain won all seven matches at Euro 2024. When did you realize the team could truly win?
– From the very first moment, and the whole team felt the same. I’m not talking about winning or losing, which is very complicated. I’m talking about the feeling that we are contenders, that we have the ability like any other strong team.
Spain went through tough matches, winning against Germany, France, and England. What was the team’s secret?
– This group not only played beautiful football but also knew how to compete. You can’t succeed without going through difficulties. You will certainly face tough times against Germany, France, and England. You have to overcome that to become champions.
Germany dominated, creating many chances at the end of the quarterfinal, and they were the only team that could outplay Spain for such a long period. Why?
– That can happen. That day, Germany was losing, had to push forward to find an equalizer, had the home advantage, and played directly. Of course, we knew we would have to endure. But overall, we still felt we could control the game and move the ball forward. This Spanish team is young, but resilient and can compete fairly with any opponent.
Are you still enjoying the victory, or have you started planning for the Nations League matches in September?
– That’s the great thing about football. For the players, they enjoy success longer. For the coach Fuente, as soon as one match ends, you think about the next one. It wouldn’t be fair not to enjoy Madrid and the whole of Spain. But right after the celebration, we started planning the next matches. The work never stops. We are happy and enjoy this job.
Morata hinted at possibly leaving the national team after Euro 2024. How do you handle this issue?
– Morata is an exemplary captain, and I hope he continues to wear the national team jersey. Morata is about to have another wonderful experience returning to Italy to play for Milan. We need him. Morata is not respected by the media, and his great professional value is not recognized. Many technical statistics show that Morata is a world star. If he played for another national team, he would be a legend. In Spain, it’s not like that, and I don’t understand why. As time goes by, people will realize Morata’s greatness.
Winning Euro 2024 could usher in another golden era for Spain. What do you think?
– Let’s enjoy this title. I don’t want to say that it is impossible because we have just broken many records and quenched a 10-year title drought. Achieving that is already a success.
Lamine Yamal just turned 17, won Euro, and is continuously praised. What advice do you give Fuente?
– Yamal is guided by his seniors. They always support and guide him. We always tell Yamal to stay humble, calm, patient, and that the journey is still long, and those who praise you may be the first to criticize you. That’s the reality. High-level competition experiences help Yamal mature more than many players his age. Yamal must strengthen himself on a personal level, continue to grow as a person, and achieve values. With that, he will develop professionally.
Goalkeeper Alex Remiro was the only Spanish player not to play in Euro 2024. How does he feel?
– Remiro is different, a champion. His teammates love and respect Remiro absolutely. He goes through everything naturally, putting the team above himself and wanting to help the whole team. Remiro is generous, willing to sacrifice for the team, and is a role model for everyone. The door to the national team will always be open for Remiro.
Who did you think of after the final whistle of the Euro 2024 final?
– Those who were not here. Always. My parents and my brother. I received over 3,000 congratulatory messages and haven’t had time to reply to them all.
