Ahead of Spain's UEFA Nations League matchday 2 fixture against Croatia at home, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente addressed the hot topic of the Ballon d'Or award selection at his pre-match press conference.

Following the victory over England, there has been ongoing debate about whether Spain should use wingers to break down defenses or stick with the tiki-taka style. Do you agree with this debate, or do you think it's just one of many tactical options the team has?

I don't know if it sparks debate, but it does reflect the diversity of our playing styles while always maintaining our identity. The key isn't the difference between individual players. The team that took the field at Wembley is the team that helped us win the World Cup final. We want to be a team that is effective in attack, strong in defense, and capable of controlling the game.

Playing four matches in a row with barely any rest — does this force you to rotate your squad?

If I say again that there's nothing to say, everyone will tell me I need to rotate anyway. We'll try to maintain balance. In this format, the team is constantly traveling with barely any training time, so there will certainly be personnel changes. This isn't just to give players rest, but because all 26 of our players can be starters. Everyone is in good physical condition right now, and we'll assess which positions need further adjustments.

The Ballon d'Or voting has ended. What's your take? Do you think you have a chance?

I don't know the criteria, but I always say I hope a Spaniard wins, whether a player or a coach. I believe we all have the qualities to win. Let's wait and see. Being nominated is already recognition of the highest order, and I'm very proud and happy about it.

You've previously expressed reservations about this new format. It seems decision-makers and experts have differing opinions. Do you think there's a conflict of interest between the two sides?

If you ask all of us, we'd agree that playing four high-level matches in 10 days is an excessive burden. You can see it in Eric García's situation; we prioritize the physical health of our players, and we want him to recover without pressure or strain, without rushing. We won't change our entire starting XI because we need to maintain the framework we've built, but there will always be players who bring freshness and vitality. If possible, I'd still like two more days of rest.

How do you plan to use Fermín?

He's in excellent form, but so are Dani Olmo and other players. Fermín can play in deeper positions. He brings vitality, impact, technical skill, and goalscoring ability. He's very versatile — a top-level player in Europe and even globally — and fits perfectly with our tactical philosophy.

Since you took over Sevilla's youth team in 2001, we've seen physical changes and growth as a coach. What would you tell your younger self?

Sometimes I can barely recognize who I was at the start of my coaching career. When you begin, you think you know a lot, but as you accumulate and absorb knowledge continuously, you change in many ways, especially in player development. I'd tell my younger self: don't give up, keep fighting. This relentless effort is what brought me here. Life has taught me that if you keep trying, at least you have a chance. I often tell my children this, and I want to tell my younger self the same.

Are all 26 players 100% healthy?

Everyone is in good condition, and we'll assess which players need rest. Those waiting for their opportunity to play are capable and reliable, and they've earned their chances through their performances. I have no doubts or concerns. I know they're all top-level players, and we'll select the starters we believe are best suited to face Croatia.

Lamine Yamal is campaigning for his Ballon d'Or. Will you campaign for yours?

I believe we all have the qualities to win, including my entire coaching staff. Hard campaigning isn't my style, but if I win, I'll be very happy. You should all make a note of it. (Laughs)

Do you think this Croatian team can compete with Spain?

Absolutely. I believe Croatia can compete with us. They themselves must believe this most of all, otherwise they wouldn't be here. There are no perfect opponents and no perfect matches. The most frustrating thing is that even if you're stronger than your opponent, you can still lose. We know Croatia well, having played them several times. They have a talented group of players, and their new coach is very capable. We need to perform better than we did in London. The players understand this, and we need more from ourselves every day because each opponent is stronger than the last.

Do you think squad rotation will be key?

Absolutely. Every player matters. A few days ago, someone showed me statistics indicating that since I took over, our substitute players who came on in the second half have had a higher goal-scoring rate. We prioritize teamwork, and in the closing stages of a match, some players may have a more crucial role. We could say we have two excellent starting XIs because our players are outstanding — among the best in the world.

You mentioned Eric can continue playing. How much longer?

We're not certain he'll be ready for the upcoming match, so we ultimately decided to withdraw him from this training camp. We felt it was unnecessary to take the risk, and he understands our decision.

How do you see the enthusiasm for the national team? How does it feel to return to Sevilla?

We're very proud to see the entire country supporting the national team with such enthusiasm. We've rediscovered the spirit of 2010, making people proud to be Spanish. It's a great honor for me to be the national team coach in my home country. I have roots at Sevilla, and every time I come here, it feels special. When I step on the pitch, it reminds me of returning to Sevilla in 1987. And of course, there's the statue of El Cachorro. I've lived in the Nervión neighborhood my whole life, and my son Alberto and I are members of the San Benito Brotherhood; I have a deep connection to this area.

Which Spanish player do you think has the best chance of winning the Ballon d'Or this year?

Spanish football history deserves more than one Ballon d'Or. When Rodri won it that year, I was very happy. Now I hope another Spaniard will win. Whoever among them ultimately wins, I'll be very happy. This isn't just because I have a better relationship with one person, but because in my view, they are the best players in the world in their positions.

What's the most important lesson you've learned over the past 25 years?

Dedication, hard work, and doing what's necessary during difficult times. In football, you lose more often than you win, and it's during these times that you must not give up. Life will knock you down, but you have to get back up.

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