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Spain have been the standout team at the ongoing Euros by far. In a tournament headlined by underperforming sides, La Roja have stood out as a team playing entertaining football and are rightfully in the semifinals.
The men in red, however, have not had it easy by any measure. After facing Italy and Croatia in the group stages, they had to overcome Germany in the quarterfinals.
Looking ahead, they will face France in the semifinal and potentially either England or the Netherlands in the final before they can claim the elusive trophy.
Luis de la Fuente, the manager of the Spanish national team, spoke to AS in a recent interview ahead of the team’s semifinal against France.
During the interview, he specifically discussed the situation of Barcelona stars Pedri and Lamine Yamal, while also sharing his thoughts on Ferran Torres and the team’s other young talents.
De la Fuente’s take on Pedri
De la Fuente began the interview by expressing sorrow over Pedri’s unfortunate injury at a crucial moment in the tournament but insisted that the team remained strong despite the setback.
Pedri picked up an unfortunate injury against Germany. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
“Here we are like a family. There are more days of laughter and some with less. There are sad moments like Pedri’s injury, which the team felt deeply.”
“Overcoming these moments helps strengthen this group, which is like a rock. We are a family, and I’m proud to see everyone committed,” he added.
The manager then opened up about Yamal, Barcelona’s 16-year-old winger who has led the Spanish attack from the front.
“Lamine is a player with special talent, and you have to know how to manage it because he is still young. He is mature beyond his years, and it’s important to manage his time and support him in this learning process.”
“I think it is time to lay important foundations that will ensure a more secure future,” he added about the young phenom.
The coach was then asked if Yamal was upset about being substituted early in the game against Germany, to which he replied,
“I didn’t see him angry at all. The team comes first. A player must understand that if they are substituted, the one coming in also has the right to play.”
“Lamine didn’t leave angry. He is an exceptional boy and we have a magnificent relationship,” he added about Yamal.
Finally, the manager admitted that while Yamal and Williams wrote the headlines, he would not neglect the likes of Torres and Dani Olmo who have all left strong impressions on their opportunities.
“It’s not just Lamine and Nico who play here; we have Ferran, Ayoze, Olmo, and Oyarzabal, who can all play at the highest level. We have a lot of diversity and potential to involve many players.”
