In an interview with Spanish radio station RNE, Llorente addressed criticism of de la Fuente.
Llorente said: "We accept criticism. There are two kinds of people: those who firmly support him and those who criticize him. This is the Spanish national team, and I don't understand why there's a lack of support, whether we win or lose."
"Anyone who doesn't support de la Fuente isn't a true fan of the national team, nor a true Spaniard. As for starting? I don't care. They'll call me a fascist or whatever—the usual nonsense—it doesn't matter to me whether I'm in the starting lineup."
"There are all sorts of situations, as always. Some people will criticize us harshly, while others will have full confidence in us. They understand football and know that these things happen. We know we still have room for improvement, and it's reassuring that we can be self-critical."
"If you had converted those excellent chances in the first half, no one would be discussing this. Everyone's happy when the buffet has everything—meat, fish, sweet potatoes, and avocado. I'm staying as long as those are available, no problem."
"The opponents you face, while seemingly weaker on the surface, are not actually weak. You won't see 7-0 scorelines anymore. Those so-called 'weak teams' aren't weak; they play well and are very competitive. That's the key."
"As of today, I have no pain, and if you prick me, I won't bleed. It's normal for people to feel nervous, and that's understandable; I don't deny it. When someone has high expectations but doesn't get what they want, it's natural to feel anxious. There will certainly be harsh criticism—that's life. I'm not worried."
"I'm here to play as a full-back, and right now it's just me and Porro. Unless there's a need... it's not a problem for me. I'm willing to help with whatever they ask. I'm staying; no one is leaving."
"I haven't set a specific date. But I don't feel like I'll be playing until 35 or 36, though that could change. It depends on how you look at it. That's how I feel. I don't want to play until 39 like Messi."