The Spain team will face its next World Cup match with the need to add a victory, although within the group there is no perception of alarm after the goalless draw against Cape Verde. This was made clear by the coach Luis de la Fuente, who assured that the atmosphere in the team remains stable despite the criticism that arose after the debut.
During his appearance before the media, the coach rejected the idea that the Spanish team would reach the match against Saudi Arabia in an extreme situation. For the coach, the external evaluation of the first game would have been different if the score had reflected the chances generated by his team.
“We don’t see it – like being on the edge of the precipice -. If the game ended 2-0 or 3-0, doing exactly the same thing, the external analysis would not have been the same. There is no drama, you just have to win tomorrow and that’s it. But we have no urgency or feeling of overwhelm,” he explained.
The coach also highlighted that the squad has reacted to the questions with additional motivation. According to his vision, the competitive nature of the footballers has been strengthened during the days prior to the next match.
“We are very lucky in our team and it has a tremendous competitive character. It is stinging. Sometimes criticism, although unfair, motivates more. Everything that has been discussed will come in handy. Footballers do read everything, but they are used to living with this. They are very pitted, very pitted and I’m sure that tomorrow the face will be totally different.”, he stated.
De la Fuente bets on the emotional response and analyzes Saudi Arabia
While attention focuses on the team’s reaction after the initial tie, De la Fuente insisted that there is no discouragement within the concentration. The coach assured that he continues to receive support from Spain and stressed that the group maintains intact confidence in their abilities.
“We live very much on the margins, in a bubble. And I receive many messages and there is still a lot of excitement in Spain. People are dedicated to the cause. And this team deserves it and has earned it. We respect all opinions, everything you can think of. But no discouragement has spread to us. “We are eager to compete again and recover the sensations of five days ago,” he said.
Unlike his players, the coach said he did not feel affected by the comments after the World Cup premiere. “I am the same as I was five days ago. Looking forward to tomorrow’s game and with responsibility. We are clear about the concept and we ask that we all live up to the demands of tomorrow’s game,” he said.
Looking ahead to the duel against Saudi Arabia, the strategist expects a rival who will retreat in defense. He considers that the Spanish style of play tends to push its opponents towards more conservative positions and recognized that one of the aspects to improve is the circulation of the ball and the generation of spaces.
“Due to our style and our way of competing, we take the team to the low block and the teams have nothing else to do but retreat. I wish the rival teams would take a step forward, but each one has to use their weapons in what they think is appropriate and convenient. We have to be more accurate when attacking these systems. The other day we were not fine, we lacked ball circulation, winning duels in attack and overflowing the rivals to create spaces,” he explained.
In addition to the World Cup commitment, Sunday will have a special meaning for the coach, as he will celebrate his 65th birthday. Asked what gift he would like for that date, he responded with a laugh: “A new jersey.”
He later expanded his wish: “I ask to enjoy life and my profession. I have had to be away from my house for the last 13 years on my birthday and it is a very emotional moment. I ask that we be happy, that we enjoy and, if possible, that we win.”
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