De la Fuente: "You'd be surprised by the calmness Lamine exudes"

Everything now revolves around Lamine Yamal in the Spanish national team. Never before has a 17-year-old garnered so many headlines, a spotlight that could overwhelm anyone but does not unsettle the young Barcelona star. "We've been supporting him in his development for a long time, but he's a boy with maturity beyond his years, a special person. He experiences everything with great normality; you'd be surprised by the calmness and tranquillity he exudes," explained Luis de la Fuente about the Barcelona player and his handling of success.

The coach from Haro already embraces the leadership of a European champion team, which also defends its status as the current Nations League winner. "Being considered favourites is linked to results and objective data that indicate a very good trend. If that changes, many will think differently, but we will continue working in our line because there is still a long way to go until the World Cup. We set our own ambition," he assured.

"I've always felt recognised, very loved by the people who truly matter to me. Grateful for Cristiano's words, who is a legend with values I admire, such as sacrifice, effort, and the ability to never give up," he commented in reference to the Portuguese star's praise towards him.

The Spanish coach, on the verge of adding his third title with La Roja and becoming the most decorated of all time, prefers to keep his feet on the ground regardless of the final's outcome. "Obviously, the opportunity to win a title is very beautiful, but if it doesn't happen, I will return to work and set a new challenge to motivate myself as I always do," he noted, before once again highlighting the importance of the competition. "We are among four of the five best European teams in the European ranking," he recalled.

"When one wins a lot, they are always closer to losing, but since we don't know when that will be, we are prepared for both victory and defeat," stated the coach from La Rioja, who has all his players available. "Everyone is well, all available. Le Normand, whom we had to substitute at the end, is recovered and that's the best possible news," he revealed.

De la Fuente, who warned of the dangers posed by Portugal, a team with which, in his opinion, his team shares "quite a similarity in footballing ideas," maintains his vision of Pedri as an attacking midfielder, several metres ahead of his usual position at Barça: "He has a special talent for playing as an 8 and a 10, as we use him. The other day he scored because he was near the area, and decisive passes are also made near the area. He has improved tremendously in finishing and has a spectacular physical display, so he can give us a lot there."