De La Fuente: We need to make the most of our players’ strengths

The first round of the quarterfinals of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League will usher in a focus match, and the "Matadors" Spain will go away to challenge the "Orange Shirts" Netherlands. De La Fuente said at the press conference that the coach's responsibility is to fully tap the potential of the players and let the players play to their strengths on the field.

In the A-level group stage, Spain advanced to the quarterfinals with 5 wins, 1 draw and first place, and had previously won the 2024 European Cup.

Spain coach De La Fuente said in an interview, "We must give full play to the players' strengths, and our players like to have the ball and attack. This is not a fixed success model, because sometimes adjustments are needed, but the players want to play this style of game. I think the coach's responsibility is to tap the players' maximum potential, so we will try our best to meet their needs."

"We are always eager to win, so we will go all out to face a strong opponent. This will be an extremely difficult game. The opposing players are outstanding and all play in the top leagues in Europe, so tomorrow's game can be called a European Cup final-level contest."

In terms of the lineup, De La Fuente said, "Ferran Torres was hit in Barcelona's last game, and we always put the health of the players first. Since he is currently unable to train normally, we decided to stop him and let him recover. He could have played, but we will not take risks and hope that he can return in the best condition in the second leg."

Speaking of the 17-year-old Spanish striker Yamal, De La Fuente said, "Messi is a legend in football, and Yamal has the conditions to become a great player. He is different. Almost no one at this age has the talent, skills, confidence and courage like him, and we are lucky to have him. As long as he is not affected by injuries, he will define an era."