BERLIN: Spain coach Luis de la Fuente thanked his players for delivering a record fourth European Championship, saying they always believed in him, where others didn’t.
De la Fuente replaced Luis Enrique after Spain crashed out of the 2022 World Cup in the last 16 but many doubted whether the 63-year-old had the experience or quality to help La Roja end a decade-long trophy drought.
After a humiliating Euros qualifying defeat by Scotland in March 2023 in his second match in charge, some Spanish media suggested the coach, who had worked with Spain’s youth sides, could even be on the brink of the sack already.
However, Spain recovered well and have not lost a competitive match since.
“I was sure that my players believed in me... for a year and a half they have been infallible,” De la Fuente told reporters.
“The only thing that I was worried about was that the players believed in me and were convinced by what we said.
“Now it’s all happiness, pride and enjoying this moment that we have earned — nobody gave us anything for free.
“This group of players can keep growing and improving because they don’t get tired of it, of competing, of trying to win, of making you proud of them, from the first day until the last, now,” added the coach.
“I am happy for my country, for Spain, for the excitement we generated.” — AFP
