Luis de la Fuente: The hardest moments as Spain coach were the loss to Scotland and Gavi's serious injury

Following the contract extension of Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente with the Spanish Football Federation through 2032, he gave an interview to Juanma Castaño from radio station COPE. This is the second part of the interview.

It would be very exciting to play in Spain with a second star, to play in Seville, to play in Oviedo. Right now you're a bit like The Rolling Stones—tickets sell out immediately when they go on sale. Of course, we've returned to a golden era for the national team again...

That's the truth. If you remember, about four years ago, Juanma—I believe you have a good memory—I mentioned bringing back the spirit of 2010, didn't I?

Really?

Yes, yes... I think we've brought that spirit back. I talked with Del Bosque. We discussed the situation and many things, and I told him: "Del Bosque, I'm facing this," and he would tell me: "Of course you'll have to face other things too," and that's what's happened. We're bringing that spirit back, or rather, we have brought it back. Over the years, this spirit seemed to be sleeping, hidden, gone. But now people are showing it again without any restraint or hesitation—out on the streets, expressing not just love for the Spanish national team, but also joy in being Spanish.

What was the hardest moment during these four years?

The hardest moment, well, the truth is...

There must be something. It couldn't possibly have been smooth and glorious all the way, could it? There's always something...

Well, I've gone through a very valuable learning process...

I feel that if you asked me, knowing you, and someone asked me "what do you think was the hardest moment for a head coach," I would say it was Gavi's injury at Real Valladolid. I think that was an extremely difficult time for everyone and for you...

If I may say so, there were two difficult situations. One was the second match—the loss in Scotland.And then three full months until the Nations League resumed. Yes, those were extremely difficult months, but they taught me a lot. One of the lessons was not listening to you all (the media), not looking at you, not reading what you write—and therefore being happier. Not being affected by what others say about me at all. Complete detachment.

We're asking our listeners not to do that, or we'd be out of a job today! Only a national team coach should ignore our broadcast!

Of course. For those who have to suffer, if you don't suffer it's fine, but I had to suffer then. So when facing suffering, I chose to detach myself, which was a very important lesson. And another thing, as you said—Gavi's injury was an extremely difficult time for everyone.

It's not fair at all, because many people seem to blame you for everything. I mean...

Yes, but you see, beyond public opinion, I mean the pain that this brought to us. Like an accident, like losing someone you love. Try to imagine how terrible it was. Because if you saw the players' reaction, the way they responded in the dressing room at halftime—it was truly shocking. In the dressing room, the physios and every player were around Gavi, caring for him. That scene was incredible. Although it had a very negative side, it also had a very positive one—seeing this team not just as a group of players, a national team, but as a kind of "big family" that we built together during the Euros, which we're very proud of today.

If you achieve the contract extension, you'll lead the team in another Euros, the World Cup, and another Euros again. Starting right now...

Yes, yes, that's right now.

What else do you expect now?

Of course, nothing. We'll see. I'm a very determined person...

At 71, do you still want to renew?

We'll see then. The key is to maintain good physical condition.

No, but you've already revealed the secret...

No, that's a joke, a joke! Relax, take it easy. I'm not going to sign a longer contract, don't worry.

No, no, but...

No, look, about all this, as I've told you, I like to live in the present and I'm a pragmatist. Life has taught me to live in the moment, to live each day well. I'm thinking about England now, and then all the opponents we'll face after that. But England is the most important. How can I think about what will happen in another six years? But it's true—today a colleague was talking about the World Cup that will be held in Spain, and of course, if you asked me, I would answer you.

Of course, it would be very exciting to lead the national team again in a World Cup held in our own country...

Of course, why not? As a national team coach, the prospect of leading the national team again in a World Cup on home soil is extremely attractive. However, I'm not thinking about that and don't want to dwell on it. I'm focused only on what I can control and on immediate goals.

Even though you don't listen to our broadcast, you treat us with great courtesy and respect, and that's what matters most. I prefer to earn respect rather than force you to listen to our show. And you always answer all our current questions. Please, let me ask you about something that happened in the last couple of weeks. One is the Sevilla situation, which you've already made a statement about, showing full support. What do you think about Spain's U20 team not playing in Sevilla?

There seems to be a security report that recommended against holding the match in Sevilla, stating that it couldn't be played. So on one hand they tell us one thing, and on the other hand something else happens. I don't know. If... yes, of course I have to tell you that when I went there, I saw that the local people are suffering greatly. I have very good friends in Sevilla, and I stay in touch with Sevilla every week. I know they're in great pain, so a solution must be found for what they're facing. Normal life must return there, and it's urgent. As for what the authorities will do about it, I understand what's happening there and the situation the people of Sevilla are in.

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