Spain national football team head coach Luis de la Fuente appeared on RTVE Noticias this Monday. De la Fuente stated that Spain's World Cup squad was finalized after months of deliberation, careful preparation, and comprehensive consideration.
Welcome Luis de la Fuente to the show. Did you see that we set up a football pitch for you in the studio? How's the atmosphere?
I feel much more comfortable in this environment, it's fantastic.
First time leading a team in the World Cup, the countdown has begun. Are you nervous? Is it more a sense of responsibility or excitement?
The nervousness is over. In fact, for several months, even over a year, we have been preparing for the World Cup, planning every detail to ensure nothing is missed. The truly nerve-wracking stage is worrying about potential unexpected situations with players, such as injuries. Now that the squad has been announced, all that's left is anticipation, hope, motivation, and energy. We are now full of drive.
Luis, I want to ask about this "heavyweight signing." What was it like to have the King participate in the video shoot? What was it like to have him join such a special moment?
The King is an open sports fan, especially of football. I don't know the specific details of the arrangements, but I know he always showed great willingness to participate. And he is very kind, friendly, and approachable, so we all enjoyed the entire filming process. I am also very satisfied with the final video result. Everyone was very surprised.
I imagine drawing up the list must not have been easy, right? Because you not only have to choose the best players, but also those who can form the best team.
Of course, this is the most difficult stage. Because you have to consider all possible scenarios in all matches, and then make sure the squad can cover all needs. At this point, you must really know your "raw materials," as I always say. You have to truly understand the players, know what you ask of them, and also what they cannot do. In this balance, we strive to create a list that has been extensively analyzed and carefully polished. I am very satisfied, and I think we have made a very good list.
Speaking of players, I want to mention two names, two big stars of the team: Nico Williams and Yamal, they are not 100% fit right now. Are you sure they will recover to 100% by then?
Absolutely sure. We have been in constant contact with the clubs, and both medical teams are cooperating very smoothly. I believe they will be able to play in the first match, and if not, they will catch up by the second. But there's another very important aspect, which is the psychological level – enthusiasm, desire, and the motivation to participate in the World Cup.
These things can overcome many difficulties and discomforts. We will definitely see the best of Nico and Yamal. Of course, they also need the help of their teammates to play at their full potential.
What was their reaction when you announced the squad? Was there any prior communication?
No, never. They only found out today, like everyone else. The 26 selected players and those not selected basically found out around 12:30 PM today after the video was released. We know what it means to be on the list; we also know what it means for those who unfortunately missed out.
Let's get to the point. What will Joan Garcia's role be as a goalkeeper? Will he start? That's the million-euro question.
Let's see. Joan has proven himself to be a very good goalkeeper. He has had an excellent season, winning the Zamora Trophy as the goalkeeper with the fewest goals conceded, and also winning the league title, etc. But fortunately, we have two other goalkeepers who are just as good as him.
In my opinion, we have five or six goalkeepers who are among the top ten in the world, and three of them are on this list. I know who will play, but between now and the first match, there are still training, environment, and other factors to consider. In the end, we will always choose the person best suited for the match.
There's also a very bold decision on the list: you brought in two new players, Cubarsi and Eric Garcia. Why did you choose them? What did you see in them?
I see not the future, but an excellent present. They have already proven themselves at the highest level, in competitions like the Champions League.
Cubarsi already has international experience; he made his debut in the match against Brazil when I was coaching; he also gained a lot of experience in youth teams and the Olympics. What do we value? We hope they bring their footballing ability to the team, and also their personal qualities to the team.
Because we have always called this team a "family," and we want to maintain this spirit, which will make the team stronger.
Another one is Puivel, right?
Puivel and Eric Garcia are the two main new faces. Eric has played in the World Cup before, but not in the senior team under me. However, I want to emphasize one point, which is very important—he played with me in the U19, U21, and the Olympics. So we know each other very well.
After the squad was announced, many headlines emerged: Real Madrid has no players selected for the Spanish national team for the first time in World Cup history. That's very surprising, isn't it?
I don't look at where players come from. I only look at whether they are useful to the Spanish national team. For me, the Spanish national team is my team, and what I do is select the best players from all of Spanish football based on the needs of the game.
I don't care if there are 8, 10, or a few from a certain club. I emphasize again, I don't look at origin, I look at the player himself. Excellent players are in many clubs, and I just want to bring the best players to the national team.
Gavi also quickly went viral after receiving the call-up. What can Gavi bring to Spain?
Gavi brings joy, energy, and team spirit. He is a player with many excellent qualities, and also has outstanding footballing ability. However, his growth was interrupted by two serious injuries. But to be able to get back up after all that and return to his pre-injury level two years later, that is equally highly commendable. In addition to his footballing ability, his human values will also make the entire team stronger.
We'll talk about opponents like Argentina and France later. But it's clear now that Spain can compete with any team. Is there anyone you are particularly wary of?
Many people ask me if we are favorites to win. No. But we feel we have the ability to contend for the World Cup. However, many teams like Germany, France, Morocco, Brazil, etc., also feel the same way. I think this is the first time in history that the range of World Cup contenders is so wide. And we are one of them. But this guarantees nothing.
You have to do your best, and sometimes you need a little luck. Because that's football—sometimes you play better than your opponent, but you don't necessarily win.
Luis, we're out of time, unfortunately. News program time is always limited. Thank you very much for being here today, especially on the day the squad was announced. Finally, I'd like to ask you for a favor, facing camera one, please say a few words to all the fans who will be following the World Cup.
I just want to say that I hope you all continue to transmit the enthusiasm you bring us in the streets, continue to give us this spirit, this strength, and this drive. Because we will greatly need these things in this World Cup. We will give our all, put in everything, to achieve some very important goals.