De la Fuente, winner of the Euros, expresses gratitude to Spain players for unwavering belief
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expressed heartfelt gratitude to his players for their belief in him, which he credited for their triumph in securing a historic fourth European Championship title on Sunday, ending a ten-year trophy drought for La Roja.
De la Fuente took over from Luis Enrique following Spain’s early exit in the 2022 World Cup round of 16, amidst doubts about his experience and ability to lead the national team to success. Despite initial skepticism, especially after a disappointing Euro qualifying defeat to Scotland in March 2023, the coach, who had previously worked with Spain’s youth teams, persevered and turned the team’s fortunes around.
Reflecting on their journey to the Euro 2024 final, where they defeated England 2-1 after victories over Italy, Germany, and France, De la Fuente praised his players’ unwavering belief in his leadership.
“For a year and a half, my players have shown unwavering belief in me,” De la Fuente told reporters. “Their commitment and trust in our collective vision were crucial in our success. This victory is a testament to their resilience and dedication.”
He emphasized the team’s evolution from Spain’s possession-focused style of the past to a more versatile approach, leveraging the speed of wingers like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal while maintaining technical prowess and defensive solidity.
“This group of players continues to evolve and improve,” De la Fuente added. “They have embraced our tactical adjustments and demonstrated exceptional adaptability throughout the tournament. I am immensely proud of their efforts and the joy they have brought to our nation.”
Looking ahead, De la Fuente expressed optimism about Spain’s future prospects, highlighting their balanced gameplay and the unity that has propelled them to success.
“Our team has shown versatility and resilience, embodying the spirit of Spanish football,” he concluded. “We are determined to build on this achievement and continue to make our country proud.”
