Follow-up – WAA
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente spoke about the players nominated from his team to win the Golden Ball, after the Matador qualified for the Euro final, and at the same time praised the abilities of his star, Lamine Yamal.
“Rodri and Dani Carvajal have won everything in recent years, and they could be among the candidates, and even the most deserving,” the Matador coach told the Spanish news agency.
“I know that Spanish footballers are the best in the world, our style is well known and many around the world try to imitate it,” he continued.
He stressed: “It is time to declare without fear or shame that Spain is the best in many things. We have an exceptional group of players, and they must be recognized and appreciated as they deserve through individual awards.”
Regarding the match he was most proud of during the Euros, he commented: “The first match against Croatia, because it was important to start very well against a difficult opponent, and this was really our calling card and our message to everyone: We are here.”
Looking at his development of Spain’s style of play and his reliance on Yamal and Neco Williams, he replied: “Football is evolving and we need to make a leap in our strengths. We are known in the world for our compact and controlling football, but we needed more strength and to know how to move towards a faster game and do counter-attacks.”
Asked about what might be caused by comparing Yamal to big names, he replied: “Certainly, if we think and remember that age in the time of Maradona, Cruyff, Pele or Messi, they would have lived a similar situation, and I don’t want to pressure him to be a player at this level, he can do it, but what we have to do is be calm and not pressure him.”
“In addition to being a coach, I have to be a mentor to young players who I love working with. I have to nurture and guide them in football, and also teach them emotional and personal things. This will help them become a better football player,” he said.
Regarding the advice he gives him, he explained: “I try to explain to him that he has to keep his feet on the ground, and that humility is the key and will make him great. If he makes a mistake one day and is more hasty than he should be, he may face some problems.”
Speaking about Xavi’s role in what Yamal has achieved, he commented: “I thank all the clubs because we benefit from the work these players do in their teams, and we choose those we think are the best.”
“Lamine has a great foundation, coach Xavi has done an exceptional job, and in the national team we need to continue to reinforce the principles and personal touches we have in interpreting football and life, and we are trying to continue to form him,” he continued.
Source: Kora