Luis de la Fuente (Haro, La Rioja, 1961) is very close to getting the U-21 back into a European Championship after only eight months ago he won silver at Tokyo 2020. The coach discusses with AS the future of the new generation of La Rojita and Spanish football.
Barely eight months have passed since the Tokyo Olympics and we are already looking at Paris 2024. How do you see the generational change?
We have guys who used to come with us before and now they are the veterans and these are the ones who have to receive those who are now in the situation they were in. I see a very recognizable group. There is still a lot to improve, but we have taken steps forward since the first day of this new cycle.
There are several U-21 regulars in the Absolute. What do those who do not take the leap lack?
Time. Some like Bryan Gil or Abel Ruiz have already debuted with the Absolute. It is not easy for all of them to pass at the same time. There are many proven players who have a very high level and are still there. Things are being done well, adding youth and veteran
Xavi is helping him by giving a field to so many young people.
It’s just what I demand season after season. That there is confidence in these good guys, that they be given continuity.
Don’t you think they get a lot of pressure being so young?
When people like Pedri or Gavi are competing at that level, something that is not easy, is because the player’s ability demands it. Players like that are so good that if you trust them they can do anything.
Would you like to have them in the European?
I come from clubs like Athletic and Sevilla and my mentality is that of a trainer. At the RFEF we work as a quarry club, in a pyramidal way with the aim of contributing players to the Absolute, that is the priority. If they cannot come, others will come who can take advantage of that opportunity. And I assure you that they will also be quality players.
Are you surprised that Ilaix and Abde did not choose Spain?
These players have a lot of pressure from their environment and from their countries of origin. They have to decide freely. We have our doors open to all the great footballers. Whoever wants to be, he will be, and whoever doesn’t, will be respected.
Has it been unfair to Eric Garcia?
Football is very thankless and all the players go through bad times and receive very fierce criticism. That is also part of the footballer’s training. When this happens, you have to keep working to turn the situation around.
Are there missing Spanish strikers with a goal?
The young Spanish scorers have few opportunities because there are many foreign strikers at the clubs. Then that projection stops. In grassroots football, I already tell you that there are many strikers with goals. That is why I demand that you bet on them.
What do you think that there are hardly any Madrid players from the U-19s upwards?
If you have ten foreigners playing, how are you going to select someone. Between that and the fact that outside the greats there is also a lot to choose from, because it is not easy to come to the national team.
Do the clubs have to learn from the Basque quarries?
It excites me to see how they work grassroots football. Now there are more teams that bet on the quarry due to the economic situation, but I hope that this dynamic continues in good times.
Will he ask Luis Enrique not to steal from Sancet?
If you call him, I’ll be the first to cheer.