De La Fuente: Yamal craves improvement and demands excellence, a trait key to success

With the FIFA World Cup approaching, Spain's head coach De la Fuente previously gave an official interview to FIFA.

Spain is entering the World Cup as the European champion, with a distinctive team style. What kind of image do you want to project to the world?

We want to prove that we can continuously improve; the team still has a lot of room for growth. The team has a large number of exceptionally talented players, many of whom are still young. The young players and the veterans in the team complement each other, keeping the team stable and its goals very clear. This tournament is filled with strong teams, and such a high-level competition is an excellent opportunity for us to continue to break new ground based on our current achievements. At the same time, external expectations for us will also increase.

You coached many players in the youth teams; how do you feel watching them grow into core figures of the senior national team today?

I am incredibly proud. I have known about 90% of the current team members for many years; some players I started working with when they were twelve or thirteen. I have witnessed every stage of their growth, and we have progressed together. This bond has long surpassed an ordinary coach-player relationship, and I believe this is one of our strengths. The mutual trust and understanding within the team give us the confidence to fully pursue our goals and make everyone feel very secure.

The players seem to have a very harmonious relationship.

In my opinion, the core is "teamwork." The team always comes before individual talent, and individual ability must serve the team. Collective interests must be placed before individual interests; this is a rule we require everyone to adhere to, and it is crucial. Individual talent alone cannot win major tournament championships; it might win a single match, but not the entire tournament. This team has always been instilled with one idea: teamwork is one of our greatest strengths.

What principles does the Spanish team uphold on the field?

I help players relieve pressure and view failures rationally. At this level of competition, even if you perform almost perfectly, you can still lose a game. Players need to remain calm, be responsible, uphold professionalism, constantly challenge themselves, respect opponents, and demonstrate team spirit and dedication. We always adhere to the core concept of teamwork, fighting for ourselves and for our teammates.

The outside world considers you one of the favorites to win the championship. How do you manage the team's response to external expectations?

I'm glad you used the phrase "one of the favorites." There are many strong teams in this tournament, and in my memory, there hasn't been such a situation in recent World Cups. Many top teams have the strength and mentality to contend for the championship, but we will not be burdened by this. We have come this far through daily hard work and excellent team performance, all stemming from the playing style and attitude we have consistently maintained.

How do you hope this Spanish team will be remembered in ten or twenty years?

For a long time, the younger generation of fans lacked a sense of belonging and pride in the national team, and we have re-won their hearts. Winning our first championship since 2012 has brought us closer to the fans again, and outstanding results have naturally played a facilitating role. I hope we will be remembered like the team coached by my idol, Del Bosque: this generation of players not only knows how to play football but also how to conduct themselves.

How do you keep Yamal relaxed and enjoying the game?

He is very young, having debuted for the national team at 16, and just turned 18. We are constantly teaching him the basic principles of football, and the virtues he should uphold on the field and in life, as the two are inseparable. He is eager to grow and improve, and is demanding of himself. He is willing to learn humbly and is open to advice. As long as he stays away from injuries, these qualities are the foundation for success.

For the Spanish team, what would constitute success in this World Cup?

To take every match seriously, respect every opponent, and go all out for the highest honor. We only ask players to give their all, work diligently, and concentrate fully; the outcome will follow naturally.