Las Rozas de Madrid has the most beautiful late summer weather: 31 degrees, cloudless skies. The suburb is located 24 kilometers northwest of the center of the capital. The base camp of the reigning world champions Spain is located there. The association opened its doors for this editorial team. Three days before the Nations League success in England (3:2), successful coach Luis de la Fuente (65) invited people for an interview after extending his contract early 48 hours earlier.
The ex-professional is in a great mood for conversation and takes 45 minutes. Later, de la Fuente shows his open-plan office, which normally only his closest employees are allowed to enter. His place in the almost 100 square meter study is at the back on the left. On the desk there is, among other things, a laptop, a computer screen and numerous biographies. His leather chair has the colors red, yellow, blue. The association's logo is embroidered on it.
There, de la Fuente worked out the successful strategy together with his staff. He has been responsible as coach for the senior national team since January 1, 2023. The result: Nations League victory in 2023, European Championship and World Cup titles in 2024 and 2026. He had previously been successful as a young coach. He led the U19 and U21 national teams to win the European Championship in 2015 and 2019 and the Olympic team to the silver medal in 2021.
Question: Señor de la Fuente, five days before the start of the Nations League against England you extended your contract until 2032. Why so long?
Luis de la Fuente: At the European Championships in Germany two years ago, we coined a term that is now very close to our hearts: family. Being together fills us with great pride. Furthermore, we are not satisfied with what we have won. The best is yet to come, believe me.
Question: If you committed yourself for that long, would working as a club coach in Spain or abroad such as Germany still be an option for you?
De la Fuente: I have been working for the association as a coach for over 13 years now and have looked after different teams. I feel at home in the Federation. I identify with her and with how we want to develop football further. I used to work as a club coach. But since I joined the association, I realized: I was born to coach a national team. I am very proud of it and feel happy.
Question: You talk about further development, what does that mean?
De la Fuente: We have had a fixed ritual after every training session for many years. We come together and take stock. We talk about whether the session went well or not so well, which happens sometimes. In any case, I always thank the players and give them a sentence.
Question: Which one?
De la Fuente: Which they have already internalized and sometimes repeat: "Tomorrow we have to do better. Be better." That is the goal. And that always works. What we showed now at the World Cup will not be enough in the future. For example, vertical play is getting faster and faster. We therefore have to do better. That is the big challenge. And the good news is that my players still have room for improvement.
Question: The world looks back in awe at the successes of the Spanish national team and their style of play in recent years. What's the secret?
De la Fuente: We have great respect for other nations, like Germany, which have great players. But in my opinion Spanish football is the most complete in the world: technically, tactically and with the understanding of the game. We have been working on this for 20 or 25 years following a special philosophy. And what is very important is that we believe in it. The players receive excellent training at their clubs in Spain. This is an essential prerequisite for past successes.
Question: After winning their first World Cup title in 2010, Spain triumphed last summer at tournaments in the USA, Mexico and Canada. What went through your mind in the weeks that followed as a world champion coach?
De la Fuente: Of course I am proud of this title, as the first thing I thought of was my parents who died and my brother who died not long ago (Óscar de la Fuente died on November 21, 2023; ed.). I would have loved to have seen them experience that moment. Basically, you realize: It's difficult to process everything we've been through. You try to classify it. But I think only time will give us a real sense of how great what we have achieved is: something historic. But in general I say: It's not about me. It's about the boys who won this title for Spain - and who should be role models for the young people in our country.
Question: You were a player at Athletic Bilbao in the 1992/93 season and your coach was Jupp Heynckes. What did you take from him?
De la Fuente: Jupp Heynckes was a great coach and is an outstanding person. What did I take with me? To be respectful. We have kept in touch, a good relationship, and he congratulates me on my successes. During my playing days I had a variety of coaches. I took something from everyone. But what influenced me the most was Vicente del Bosque (he led Spain to their first world championship title in 2010, editor) during our time together at the association.
Question: From Heynckes to Jürgen Klopp: He should lead Germany back to the top of the world as national coach.
De la Fuente: He is a world-class trainer who I unfortunately haven't met personally yet. Of course, you have to differentiate between the work of a club and a national coach. There are some differences that he has to get used to. However, I believe that Jürgen Klopp will be able to build a world-class team with top players. But you need time for that. Of course everyone in football wants quick success...
Question: But?
De la Fuente: But it's not enough to constantly change coaches. To be successful, you need a clear philosophy that you have to stick to - even in the face of setbacks.
Question: Is there currently a German player that you would like to see play for Spain?
De la Fuente: Florian Wirtz, he's fantastic. Unfortunately he doesn't have a Spanish passport (laughs). I like the way he plays. Germany has a great history in world football, particularly shaping it at club and national team level in the 1970s. In addition, great players were continually produced - not just Franz Beckenbauer. As a child I used to admire Günter Netzer, an incredible player when he was at Real Madrid. The dream passes he played were unique. I also remember Paul Breitner as a great player.
Question: A great player in your team is Lamine Yamal. Will he become a world footballer one day?
De la Fuente: Lamine Yamal has many advantages: He is only 19 years old. He made his national team debut at the age of 16. He did things on the pitch at that age that I had never seen before. Although there is a Lionel Messi, a Cristiano Ronaldo, who were exceptional when they were young, Lamine Yamal did things on the pitch at his age that I had never seen before.
Question: And both became world footballers several times.
De la Fuente: Yes, Lamine also has everything to get to this level. But of course it's our job to train him well so that he can do that. This goes beyond just playing football. He also needs to be made mentally strong so that he can deal with setbacks.
Question: How important is Yamal's club coach Hansi Flick?
De la Fuente: Of course very important because the players spend most of their time in their clubs. And Yamal has developed excellently in recent years. At the same time, the clubs also benefit from the national team when their players are there and can play against other big nations. Because that is a leap in quality.
Question: Who should win the 2026 Ballon d’Or? Those responsible at FC Bayern hope that it will be their player Harry Kane.
De la Fuente: Of course there are great players in England and Germany. But I think a Spaniard has to win it, because our players are the best in the world in many respects and you can't ignore them (with Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Cubarsí/all Barça, Cucurella/Real, Fabián and Torres/both PSG, six have been nominated, ed.). It's hard to believe that no Spaniard can win the title.
Question: Spain also has a number of top coaches who set the tone in European football: Luis Enrique won the Champions League with Paris in 2025 and 2026, Mikel Arteta won the English championship with Arsenal this year, and Xabi Alonso won the German championship in 2024. Not to forget Pep Guardiola. Why is that?
De la Fuente: As with the players, it is due to the excellent but intensive coaching training. I had to go to school for three years to get the highest coaching license - that's half a student's life at a university while learning another profession.
Question: Has your life actually changed as a world champion?
De la Fuente: I feel the same as before, I live a completely normal life. But people now perceive me differently in Spain. Finally, I went into a restaurant and all the guests stood up and applauded. The fact that I am given so much love is incredible - and an additional ambition for me.
