De la Fuente: La Liga es la mejor del mundo; siempre priorizo el interés del equipo al elegir jugadores

After renewing his contract with the Spanish Football Federation until 2032, Spain's national team coach Luis de la Fuente gave an exclusive interview to Cadena SER. Since this interview lasted almost 42 minutes and contained many questions and answers, this article will present the full interview in several parts. The following is the third part.

It seems Rodri and Pedri can play together, right?

Of course, absolutely. But we also have to realize that Pedri's playing style has changed a bit.

Is that so? So the debate about Pedri playing as a defensive midfielder is over?

Let's not talk about that yet. My question is, do we agree that his playing style has changed a bit?

Completely agree.

I said it during the World Cup, I prefer Pedri in the national team because playing with different teammates changes the situation. Playing with other teammates is completely different from playing with Rodri. Rodri makes the entire team play differently. It's not about who has to play in a certain way, but Pedri needs to offer something more, and he can do it too, because he's very good. Rodri is also very good, Fabián Ruiz as well, and so on.

I think Pedri is happiest having Rodri by his side.

Definitely. I think anyone would be happy to have such a teammate.

I'm talking about Pedri.

Right. I mean, any midfielder would be happy. Having Rodri means having the best player in the world in that position. But similarly, I think Pedri and Fabián Ruiz are also among the best players in the world in their respective positions, along with Mikel Merino, Olmo, and Fermín López.

We're really very fortunate to have such a group of players. And I can tell you in advance, because when it comes to the match against England, they'll surely ask again: among these excellent players, someone will definitely not start. But that's not what matters most. What matters is that when they come off the bench, they can make a difference the moment they step on the pitch.

There were many examples of this during the World Cup. Ferran, Nico Williams, and Mikel Merino all played decisive roles. Sometimes, even playing just 10 minutes, they were completely capable of being the protagonists in those 10 minutes.

One last question about Rodri. We have many more names to ask about. Rodri finally joined Barcelona, when almost everyone thought he'd go to Real Madrid. Did that surprise you? I know that from your perspective, as long as Rodri plays, it doesn't matter if it's for Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid, or another team. But from an outside observer's perspective, did it surprise you?

First of all, I'm happier that he's now playing in Spain. I think these players can raise the level of Spanish football even higher. They are the best players in the world, and I'm very happy that Spanish players are receiving the recognition they deserve in their own country. This is my opinion, and I didn't just say it today; I've always believed it.

In fact, the transfer did surprise me a bit at first. However, I have a very good relationship with Rodri and his team, so at certain stages of events, they also shared information with me. But the most important thing is that I'm happy he's here, playing in La Liga.

So La Liga is better, right? It's also easier to follow him there. As for playing style, do you think Barcelona suits him better?

No. I think Rodri can play for any team, any team, whether it's Manchester City or any other. I'm glad they can stay here and bring their talent and level to Spanish football and La Liga. In my opinion, we also have the best league in the world. However, we must continue investing strongly in players, because only that way can we maintain our level against such fierce competition from other leagues.

This morning's event was really wonderful, and those videos were very well made. For example, the Del Bosque video—we don't need to repeat what he means to you. He appears in public less and less now, but every time he does, he always expresses support, encouragement, and concern for Luis de la Fuente. There was another moment at the event when you clearly couldn't control your emotions. Actually, we all have those moments—when you mentioned those who are no longer with us. What was going through your head at that moment? Since you took office, through the early matches when everyone thought you might leave after two days, when they said you were bad at this and that in front of the microphone... until now, you even have the opportunity to catch up with legendary Kubala in Spanish football history. If your father, mother, and brother were still alive, what would you most like to tell them?

First of all, I just wish they could be by my side, to enjoy all of this with my parents and my brother. Of course, human life is not infinite. You know that life will end someday. But they really enjoyed my career as a player. They followed me all over Spain, both my parents and my brother—they were always with me, especially Óscar.

Of course, I would love for them to be here today to enjoy this moment. They would surely be very happy. With their personalities, they wouldn't be too expressive, because they were all very calm, very serene people, but deep down they would surely be very happy.

You're very demanding of yourself, but at the same time, you're also a very emotional person. What is most difficult when one cycle ends and another begins? The cycle I'm referring to is that the World Cup cycle has ended, and we're already thinking about packing up to prepare for the Euros. It even seems like the Nations League was completely overlooked in between. Of course, I know you wouldn't think that way, but for everyone else, now that the World Cup has ended and the Euros are coming, everyone's attention has already shifted. Is that what's most important, or rather, is the most difficult part having to leave some people behind? Because a team of such high caliber can't accommodate everyone. Some people gave everything for you and the national team during the 52-day training camp, but now you look back and have to say: "There's no place for them on the list." Is that the most difficult thing for you?

Yes. When you have to let go of a player, especially one I really like, it's very difficult. You saw during the World Cup that we spent 52 days together. To be precise, 52 days in the training camp. There were trips, physical exhaustion, heat, rain, almost no cold days. Very little rest... In short, many different factors that could have completely worn down our interpersonal relationships.

But we didn't have any problems or incidents throughout the entire process. This shows how excellent the team is on a human level. So when I have to let go of one of these players, or those who couldn't go to the World Cup but are still part of our "family," of course, I feel very sad.

However, they also know that not being included this time doesn't mean they can't come back next time. And one thing they're certain of, and I know they're very clear about it: whether I call them up or not, I always make my decisions with honesty and integrity, respecting my work and my fellow teammates.

So for me, these decisions will be painful. But they also know that my decisions are never based on personal preferences, but entirely in the interest of the entire team and the collective. At another time and in another scenario, they could be the protagonists again. No one's door is closed. But you also know that we have so many good players that someone always has to be left off the list.

De la Fuente: Spain is far from its ceiling; we still have a lot of room for improvement

Traducido por IA.

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