Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said on Friday that his team is on its way to becoming «legendary», like the players who won the country’s first World Cup in 2010 and the European Championships of 2008 and 2012.
De la Fuente led La Roja to Euro 2024 glory last summer, and Spain are closing in on qualifying for next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Spain visits Georgia in a Group E qualifier on Saturday and could qualify for the World Cup if they win and Turkey fail to beat Georgia in the other match.
«I wish that all the players could be immortalized, in the sense that they would remain, that they would remain in everyone’s thoughts, that they would be a team like the one of 2008, 2010, 2012, that became legendary and will remain so forever,» De la Fuente told a news conference.
«I believe this team is on its way to achieving that. I think it has achieved very important things and many players have the opportunity to make history and leave a lasting memory in the minds of the fans.»
“I believe this is the best reward a professional can achieve.”
Spain have won all four qualifying matches so far, scoring fifteen goals and not conceding a single one.
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It will be for the last qualifying match without Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal after dismissing him from the squad following “invasive” treatment for a groin injury at his club.
The Spanish Football Federation said on Tuesday it was «surprised and upset» to learn Yamal had already undergone the procedure and was unavailable for the national team.
De la Fuente tried to calm the situation when asked about Spain’s relations with Barcelona.
«Our relations with all clubs are great – and everything can be improved. We try to improve in all aspects, but what we need to improve is tomorrow’s performance to win against Georgia tomorrow,» the coach said.
“The best news is that Lamine will always be with us in the future,” he continued.
«We have to think about the present and the future. The present is about trusting the players we have, great players, trying to win tomorrow… that is our concern.»
In addition to Yamal, Nico Williams, Dani Carvajal and Rodri Hernandez are out injured, all important players for De la Fuente.
Published on November 14, 2025
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