BERLIN: Amid turmoil in Spanish football over the federation boss’s kissing scandal, coach Luis de La Fuente (pic) decided last November to house his Euro 2024 squad deep in Germany’s Black Forest where the only external noise would come from cows or birds.
Near Switzerland and over 160km from the nearest tournament host city Stuttgart, Spain have trained for over a month surrounded by livestock between two large timber barns high up a curvy field near the edge of the forest.
The players have loved it, extolling the peace and happiness of their hideaway hotel. And their canter into today’s tournament final against England with six straight wins has certainly vindicated their boss’ choice.
For De la Fuente, 63, such planning has been over a decade in the making: he began coaching Spain’s Under-15s in 2013 and some of those same players are with him now in Germany.
The man mocked on social media as “Luis de la Who?” after his appointment is now hoping for a perfect end to his project.
A former hard-working fullback who made a career in the Basque region at Athletic Bilbao, De la Fuente is a low-key, businesslike and orderly man.
His iron discipline is reflected in his bodybuilder physique, thanks to hitting the gym every day while most of his players are still in bed.
His demeanour is one of a man with no time to waste and purpose in all he does.
Unknown to many football fans when appointed last year, De la Fuente’s profile is very different to predecessors Luis Enrique, Julen Lopetegui, Luis Aragones and Vicente del Bosque, who all had high-profile club success.
His milder personality has helped heal a broken changing room after Enrique’s hardline style, according to players and insiders in the Spanish camp. Rather than military-like imposition of duties, he has won the players’ trust thanks to firm but calm guidance.
“We’ve come from a period of strict rules. Now it’s all a bit more relaxed,” defender Dani Carvajal said in an interview with Spain’s Marca outlet. “We have a great atmosphere - it’s controlled anarchy.”
His success so far means the Spanish football federation RFEF now plan to give him a new contract.
According to a report by the newspaper As, the plan is independent of the outcome of the final against England.
With the new contract, the coach is to receive significantly better financial conditions: 1.8mil (RM9.22mil) plus bonuses per year, three times more than his current salary of 600,000 (RM3.07mil).
An extension clause had been already activated in April, As said, but there was no salary increase back then.
Should De La Fuente accept the new deal, he would still be in charge of the team at the 2026 World Cup. The contract also includes an option to extend his term until euro 2028. — Agencies
