As I stood on stage, surrounded by the warmth of my hometown, the emotion was undeniable. Today was a special day. Luis de la Fuente, a native of Logroño, had received a heartfelt tribute from the local City Hall. It’s one of those rare moments when a person gets to reflect on their journey, and as the head coach of Spain’s National Football Team, this was a moment of immense pride for me. “It’s a great honor to be welcomed like this in my homeland,” I told the audience with sincere gratitude.
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I kicked off the event by sharing a message close to my heart: “In football, as in life, you can win or lose. But what truly matters is that by the end of the game, you’re proud of what you’ve tried to achieve.” These words rang true, not just in football but as a lesson I had learned over my years in this beautiful sport.
Admiration for Dani Carvajal’s Generosity and Sacrifice
Throughout the event, I had the opportunity to speak about various players, but one name stood out prominently—Dani Carvajal. My admiration for him runs deep, not just because of his skill, but because of his character. “He did what he had to do, making a tactical foul that prevented the opposition from reaching the final. He sacrificed himself for the team. That’s why he’s my idol,” I told the audience. It was a moment to celebrate Carvajal’s generosity, a trait that often goes unnoticed in the world of professional football, but one that I consider essential for success.
As a player for Real Madrid, Carvajal has faced numerous challenges, and now, unfortunately, he is dealing with one of the toughest aspects of sports—injury. I acknowledged this: “Right now, he’s going through a serious injury, and this is the ugly side of football. But that’s the risk of this sport.” Injuries can be devastating, but they are a reality that every player has to contend with. Despite this, Carvajal’s contribution to the Spanish National Team remains invaluable, and I eagerly await his return, along with Rodri, another key player who is currently on the sidelines.
The Importance of Unity in the Spanish National Team
Reflecting on the team’s current state, I couldn’t help but express my disappointment over the injuries affecting our squad. “It’s tough when players get injured, but it also provides an opportunity for others to step up. I hope both Dani Carvajal and Rodri recover soon, as they are crucial in maintaining the unity of the team,” I said. Injuries, as hard as they are, test the depth of our squad and give others a chance to shine. But for me, the cohesion and unity of the team are paramount.
As a national team coach, I have the privilege of working with some of the best players in the world. When asked about my favorite players from other countries, I preferred not to answer directly, instead pointing to the incredible talent we have within Spain. “In my opinion, the best players in the world are right here, in Spain. They have the ability to both develop and execute our vision for the game, and for that, I am privileged to be their coach,” I proudly declared. It’s not just about the individual talent; it’s about the collective effort and the spirit that each player brings to the team.
Lamine Yamal: A Rising Phenomenon
Of course, I couldn’t ignore the excitement surrounding Lamine Yamal, the young talent who is already making waves on the global stage. “He’s a phenomenon,” I said, clearly enthusiastic about the youngster’s potential. “He’s already among the best in the world, but the hardest part is yet to come—maintaining that position.” I emphasized the qualities that will ensure his future success: humility, hard work, professionalism, and being a good teammate.
Yamal has the raw talent, but I reminded everyone that talent alone isn’t enough. “If he stays humble, works hard, and remains grounded, we’ll be talking about him for years to come. He has the qualities, but now he must cultivate them.” For a player so young, there’s a long road ahead, and it’s my responsibility, along with others in the Spanish football community, to guide him on that journey.
The Risks and Rewards of Football
Football is a sport of contrasts. There are moments of glory, like lifting a trophy, but there are also the more difficult moments, like dealing with injuries or missing out on a critical game. I touched on the risks involved in playing at such a high level: “Football comes with its risks, and unfortunately, injuries are part of the game.” This harsh reality doesn’t just impact the individual players; it affects the entire team. But as a coach, it’s my job to ensure that the team spirit remains intact, even in the face of adversity.
I continued, explaining the broader situation of the Spanish National Team: “I’m saddened by the injuries, but I’m also hopeful. The absence of players like Dani Carvajal and Rodri opens the door for others to prove themselves, and I expect them to rise to the challenge.” This is the essence of team sports—when one player is down, another must step up. And I am confident that our squad is strong enough to overcome these setbacks.
A Privileged Position
When I reflect on my role as coach of Spain, I feel incredibly fortunate. Not every coach has the chance to work with the talent that I do. “In Spain, we have some of the most skilled players in the world,” I said during the event. “I feel privileged because I have so many talented individuals to choose from.” It’s not just about having the best players, though. It’s about how they fit into the larger picture, how they interpret our vision for the game. And that’s where the true strength of the team lies.
One of the key messages I wanted to convey was the importance of professionalism and dedication. In football, talent is just the starting point. It’s the hard work, the commitment, and the desire to constantly improve that sets players apart. Whether it’s Lamine Yamal, Dani Carvajal, or any of the other players on the Spanish National Team, this ethos of professionalism is what drives them to greatness.
Looking Ahead
As I left the event, I couldn’t help but feel proud—not just of the tribute I had received, but of the team I have the privilege to coach. There are challenges ahead, no doubt, but with players like Carvajal, Rodri, and Yamal, the future looks bright. My role is to ensure that we stay united as a team, continue to work hard, and always strive for excellence, both on and off the pitch.
Football is a team sport, and while individual moments of brilliance are celebrated, it’s the collective effort that leads to success. As we look forward to future matches, I know that each player will continue to give their all for the team, and that’s something I deeply admire and respect. Together, we’ll face whatever challenges come our way, and with the right mindset, we’ll continue to make Spain proud on the global stage.
