Mumbai: Luis de la Fuente, the Spanish national coach, has led his team to a remarkable turnaround, culminating in their Euro 2024 crown and a strong chance at the World Cup title. This transformation began with his decision to work with players he had helped develop from his time with the youth teams.
De la Fuente, 64, had most of his coaching experience with junior teams, but his tenure as the senior Spanish coach didn't start well, with a 2-0 loss to Scotland in his second match. However, this defeat prompted him to adopt a different approach.
He decided to focus on the younger players, and the changes brought in a new way Spain would play its football. The traditional 'tiki-taka' style was replaced by a refreshing brand of attacking football, featuring pace on the wings, overlapping runs from full-backs, and a traditional centre-forward.
For the World Cup, de la Fuente has picked players he feels will help the Spanish charge, including a youthful mix of players he has known since their teenage days. Among the 26 players selected, 10 were part of the junior Spanish teams he had coached.
Since that defeat against Scotland in March 2023, Spain have been unbeaten in regulation time of each of the 31 competitive matches they have played. De la Fuente's unassuming approach and ability to adapt have been central to this change.
Born in Northern Spain, de la Fuente was a defender for Athletic Bilbao and played junior football for Spain, including at the 1988 Olympics. He later taught football and team building as part of the Spanish federation's UEFA Pro Licensing coaching programme, with notable students including Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso, and Lionel Scaloni.
Now, as the coach of coaches, de la Fuente will lead Spain as one of the favourites in the World Cup, armed with a group of players looking to take their country back to the highest pedestal of the sport.
