De la Fuente Aims for Spain to Embrace ‘Suffering’ in Pursuit of Nations League Semi-Final Place

While Spain holds the title of European champions and is currently the Nations League holders, coach Luis de la Fuente emphasised on Saturday that even the most accomplished teams must endure hardships to find success.

In the quarter-final first leg held in Rotterdam on Thursday, Spain managed a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, having initially fallen behind to the 10-man hosts. Thanks to a last-minute equaliser from Mikel Merino, Spain salvaged the match.

Merino, who has recently adopted a striker role for Arsenal, scored just as it seemed Spain was about to suffer their first competitive loss in two years, bringing a hush over the Feyenoord Stadium.

“This group boasts exceptional football talent, but we also place significant importance on values. I consistently remind everyone that to manage a dressing room effectively, having good individuals is essential,” De la Fuente remarked to the press.

“Enduring challenges and having the resilience to overcome them is a hallmark of this team. I can’t imagine this sport without challenges. Suffering fosters growth, not only in sport but in all aspects of life.”

“It’s quite unusual. We had better possession than the Netherlands and took more shots on target, yet it felt like we were at the mercy of our opponents. The Netherlands is an excellent team, and it’s normal for them to assert themselves at certain times.”

Spain will face the Dutch again on Sunday in Valencia, with thousands of fans flocking to witness the European champions’ training sessions.

Currently, Spain is unbeaten in 22 competitive matches, and De la Fuente expressed confidence in maintaining this impressive streak.

“The challenge of winning is that you become accustomed to it, making it hard to retain your competitive edge. We aim to maintain this momentum, recognising that the obstacles become tougher each day,” he explained.

“Opponents grow more familiar with our style, and they are incredibly skilled. Tomorrow’s match could easily represent the final of the European Championship. Every encounter is increasingly demanding.”

“We aspire to remain in a winning position, and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to keep our success going.”

Aside from defender Pau Cubarsi, who suffered an ankle injury during the first leg and has returned to Barcelona, De la Fuente reported that all other players are in “excellent condition,” though he refrained from revealing his starting lineup.

“We have a squad filled with talented players, and we’re managing it just like any other team,” he added. “There are three top players who unfortunately won’t make the matchday squad; however, everyone takes it in stride and shows great camaraderie.”