Spanish coach de la Fuente, in an interview with The Guardian, stated that Spain's current midfield is as strong as it was in 2010, and praised Oyarzabal's football intelligence as top-tier.
"Have you screened all these questions?" de la Fuente joked with a smile, looking at the interview questions listed on the laptop on the table. He had just finished training, preparing for the upcoming round of sixteen match against Portugal. Several players were still active in the sunshine outside, on the same field where Bebeto famously performed his cradle celebration in 1994. It was the morning after Cape Verde surprisingly drew with Argentina. The World Cup always etches countless unforgettable moments, freezing scenes that remain in our minds forever, and everyone harbors at least one World Cup memory.
"If we're talking about the most significant image for Spain, it has to be Iniesta's last-minute goal," de la Fuente said. "This answer might not be novel, but it's our World Cup imprint as Spaniards. I watched that match at home. I've always been devoted to the national team; whenever Spain plays, my parents' house is as lively as a festival. My parents would be glued to the TV, siblings gathered, and neighbors and friends would come to watch together. That was in the small town of Haro in La Rioja. Later, when I embarked on my professional career, no matter where I was, if Spain was playing, I would always make time to watch. I thoroughly enjoy every World Cup tournament, and Spain's matches are the top priority. There are many classic World Cup moments, but this one, in particular, has an irreplaceable impact."
Reader Question 1: After witnessing Cape Verde's strength, should we re-evaluate Spain's performance in their first group stage match?
I always prefer to have ample information before expressing an opinion and would never make rash judgments when ignorant. Before this World Cup began, I said it would be a historic tournament, where fans would witness many previously little-known national teams, lacking media exposure, proving their worth on the field and forcing the world to recognize their strength. Cape Verde is one of them. So, their performance came as no surprise to us. I've said it before, this team executes its tactics with great precision, and the facts have confirmed this.
Reader Question 2: When Yamal was asked about his most feared opponent, he named Nuno Mendes. What advice would you give Yamal next time he faces Mendes?
Yamal has played against Mendes both at the club and national level: they've faced each other four times in total, three times with Barcelona, where Yamal lost twice and won once; and in the 2025 Nations League final, where Spain lost to Portugal on penalties. Yamal is still in his growth phase, and he understands that strong clashes with top opponents are a test of growth, and these tough battles shape a player. Yamal is extremely competitive and always wants to redeem himself for the Nations League final loss. However, that match was a long time ago, and Yamal has grown and transformed so much. He is no longer the teenager he was a year ago; he is more mature mentally, more composed on the field, and his ability to read the game has visibly improved. Every experience makes him more well-rounded. So, I would tell him: be yourself, enjoy football, shoulder your responsibilities, but always stay true to your heart.
Reader Question 3: I'd like to know Iglesias's role in the team, thank you.
Borja is a crucial member of the team. He constantly works on his condition, ready to play at any moment. The other day, in the match against Austria, I originally intended to bring him and Zubimendi on at the same time, and I had discussed this plan with him beforehand. However, the situation on the field changes rapidly and is unpredictable. During the match, an unexpected situation arose, and I temporarily adjusted the substitution plan, bringing on other players. But every player in this team is always ready; as long as the team needs them, they can step up immediately. Of course, I hope everyone gets a chance to play, but this is the World Cup. Every player is indispensable. Borja's special role lies in his outstanding ability, which compels his teammates to improve their level, making the whole team stronger.
Reader Question 4: Does de la Fuente know that countless fans have completely fallen in love with the new generation of Spanish players like Cucurella, Lamine Yamal, Oyarzabal, and Porro?
This is a change brought about by globalization; a new era is sweeping through football. The wave of diverse integration allows people of different races, beliefs, and ideas to accept each other and adapt to new environments. Football is a microcosm of society, with a mission to promote integration. Football is a powerful vehicle for unity and a classroom for transmitting positive values. Of course, football also has its dark side, but I don't want to dwell on that too much. The most authentic core of football is full of positive energy and greatly benefits society; this is the core we should adhere to, as it is inherently a bond that promotes diverse integration.
Reader Question 5: What is your favorite word?
I prefer the word "respect." Based on respect, everything can be built. Everything that leads to harmonious coexistence between people is built on respect. I once read this phrase and deeply believe it. Respect is my life's creed, and it's the word I mention most often when communicating with players. Even if I don't say this word aloud, respect is reflected in every decision, every action and word, every attitude; this is the core meaning.
Reader Question 6: What is the hardest thing about being the head coach of the Spanish national team?
Selecting players! I often say that although we are coaches, the heaviest and most difficult burden we carry is finalizing the national team squad list. Tactical concepts, offensive and defensive systems – all coaches have a basic understanding of these. Coming up with ideas isn't difficult; the challenge is to select the players who best fit these tactics and the team's playing style. The choices are excruciating; when the list is finalized, I always have to reluctantly let go of many players who are fully qualified to be selected.
Reader Question 7: Do you think the current Spanish midfield can compare to the legendary midfield of the 2010 World Cup final?
Both midfields are of historic quality. With all due respect, I believe we currently have the best midfield in the world, with two top players available for every position. Let me list them for you: Rodri, Zubimendi, Fabian Ruiz, Pedri, Olmo, Merino, Baena, Gavi, and Fermín, who is out with an injury... I'm sure I've missed someone, don't be angry with me, I keep every player in mind. The 2010 midfield was indeed unprecedented, there's no doubt about that. Football tactics are constantly evolving, but I believe the current midfield lineup is almost as strong as it was back then.
Reader Question 8: In my opinion, Pedri is the best midfielder in the world, but the British media rarely acknowledge this. I've noticed a detail: he always seems on the verge of losing the ball, yet he invariably maintains possession. What's the secret behind this? How does Pedri manage to do this so often?
Haha, exactly! He's a magician on the field. It's an innate feel for the ball, talent, and exquisite technique. A teacher I had in school once said that truly superb technique and talent involve effortlessly performing extremely difficult actions, and Pedri perfectly embodies this statement. What seems incredibly tricky to others, he handles with ease, and very few players can do that. He plays with composure and grace, always seeing passing lanes that others don't; this is the unique insight of a genius.
Reader Question 9: What color is happiness?
One only understands, at a certain age, that happiness is realizing what is truly important. Happiness has its own vibrant colors, representing vibrant life, good health, and the ability to spend quality time with family and friends—these are the unique colors of happiness.
Reader Question 10: Spanish potato omelette, with or without onion?
Without! Absolutely no onion. My mother doesn't like onions; at home, my father and siblings do, but I share my mother's taste. Potato omelette is my favorite food, but it must be without onion.
Reader Question 11: Is Oyarzabal a true center forward, or more of a false nine?
He is a versatile player with top-tier football intelligence, capable of perfectly adapting to any position on the field. People used to say we lacked a true center forward, but Oyarzabal has filled that void, though his style is quite unique. Mikel has played as an attacking midfielder, and on both wings, performing excellently in every position. He can read every detail of the game, understand the rapidly changing situations on the field, and make optimal choices. He will undoubtedly become an excellent coach after he retires, because his understanding of the game far exceeds that of ordinary people.
Reader Question 12: Watching Spain dominate Austria, I couldn't help but recall the fluid, rhythmic passing and control style of the 1982 Brazil team; I even specifically downloaded videos of several matches played by that Brazil team. Have you drawn inspiration from that legendary Brazil team coached by Santana?
I have always emphasized that I know my players very well, and while my tactical ideas are constantly evolving, all changes stem from the players themselves. The technical characteristics of the players compel me to continuously refine and perfect my tactical concepts. I did initially have a basic set of ideas, but the players have made this system even more complete. Coaching requires an underlying framework, but ultimately it's the players on the field who execute and adapt flexibly; we only need to provide them with suitable tactical tools. Ultimately, the players are the foundation of tactics, and inspiration always comes from them.
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