De la Fuente: "If Lamine Yamal Continues Like This, He Will Become a Legend"

No minor competitions exist for Luis de la Fuente. The Spanish coach approaches the Nations League 'final four' as if it were a World Cup or European Championship, emphasising the competition's appeal to support this view. "I believe we must be fair to this competition; we must acknowledge a reality, as we are the 16 best teams in Europe trying to become champions. It's worth remembering," he stated just before facing the challenging semi-final against France.

"Despite the absences, France has a roster of spectacular players, and I don't think anyone has the right to miss a specific player because we have the option to select others who also earn merits and deserve opportunities," he praised his rival, whom he already defeated at the doorstep of the final in the European Championship.

"In this 'final four', we have three world champions and one European champion. These are real finals; it's very difficult, and for me, being a favourite doesn't hold much importance. It's a cliché, but in the end, these are matches that will be determined by small details," he elaborated when asked about Spain's form, which positions them as contenders for everything.

In Stuttgart, La Roja experienced an unforgettable night by eliminating host Germany in their European Championship, with a possible handball by Cucurella that the German team claimed as a penalty. In this regard, De la Fuente avoided controversy and highlighted the fond memory of that match and the entire tournament. "I respect all refereeing decisions. This stadium brings us a wonderful memory, and we want to enjoy it. What we experienced in Germany during those 45 days was wonderful, and we felt the respect of the German fans," the coach from La Rioja reflected.

The Spanish coach currently has the resource of Lamine Yamal, one of the most disruptive players in the world, if not the most. "Lamine Yamal has an impressive trajectory, but it is our responsibility to take care of him. If he continues with this progression, he will become a football legend because he has everything."

For this reason, he defended the candidacy of the Barcelona winger for the Ballon d'Or, without neglecting other of his most outstanding players. "If you put Lamine Yamal's name forward to win the Ballon d'Or, I vote for Lamine Yamal, but also for Fabián Ruiz or Pedri. I support all Spanish players," he concluded.

"I don't like the word revenge. This is a different tournament, and it's a new semi-final with the opportunity to reach the final. I don't deny they were superior in some aspects, but I also don't think there was much difference; it was very close," evaluated Didier Deschamps, the French coach.