De la Fuente Confident Ahead of Netherlands Clash

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says his team is ready to continue their winning streak when they host the Netherlands in the Nations League quarter-final return leg. Spain are unbeaten in 22 competitive games and De la Fuente is confident they can keep the momentum going.

Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente, emphasized the importance of resilience and perseverance for his team, stressing that even the best sides must learn to overcome adversity in order to achieve success. This mindset will be crucial as Spain seeks to secure a semi-final spot in the Nations League.

In their quarter-final first leg against the Netherlands, Spain demonstrated their ability to thrive under pressure. Trailing the 10-man Dutch hosts, Spain's Mikel Merino scored a dramatic equalizer in added time, securing a valuable 2-2 draw in Rotterdam on Thursday.

Spain was on the brink of suffering their first competitive loss in two years before Mikel Merino's timely equalizer silenced the Feyenoord Stadium. Merino, who has been playing as a striker for his club Arsenal in recent weeks, scored in added time to secure a 2-2 draw.

🗣️ Luis de la Fuente: "Tengo 26 futbolistas tan buenos que puedo hacer hasta dos equipos excepcionales. Esta es la suerte que tenemos".

➡️ "Dependiendo del plan de juego pueden jugar unos u otros y ellos anteponen siempre el beneficio del equipo".#VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/PFpsdyrRE7

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) March 22, 2025

According to coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain's resilience and ability to overcome adversity are rooted in the team's values and strong character. “This is a group of exceptional football players, but we also give special importance to values. I always say that you have to have good people to be able to manage a dressing room,” De la Fuente told reporters.

De la Fuente emphasized the importance of perseverance and learning to overcome challenges. “Suffering and the ability to overcome it is something this team has. I don't know this sport without suffering. Suffering is very healthy, not only for sport but for any activity,” he noted.

Despite dominating possession and shots on goal, Spain found themselves at the mercy of their opponents at times. De la Fuente acknowledged this, saying, “It's strange. We had more possession than Holland, we had more shots on goal... and the feeling we have is that we were at the mercy of our opponents. Holland is a great team and it's normal that, at certain moments, they take the initiative.”

Spain will host the Netherlands in the return leg of their Nations League quarter-final on Sunday in Valencia. The city is abuzz with excitement, as evidenced by the tens of thousands of fans who turned up to watch the European champions train. Spain is currently riding a 22-game unbeaten streak in competitive matches, and coach Luis de la Fuente is confident his team can keep the momentum going.

According to De la Fuente, maintaining a winning mentality is crucial to Spain's continued success. “The problem with winning is that you get used to it and it's hard to lose your edge. We want to continue in this dynamic, knowing that every day the challenges are more difficult,” he said. De la Fuente acknowledged that their opponents are becoming increasingly familiar with Spain's tactics, making each match more daunting. “The rivals know you more and more every day and they are very good. Tomorrow could very well be the final of the European Championship. This is very difficult and more difficult every day.”

De la Fuente emphasized Spain's desire to remain in a position to win. “We want to continue to be in a position to win and we are. We will go all out to keep winning,” he declared. As for team selection, De la Fuente reported that all players, except for the injured Pau Cubarsi, who has returned to Barcelona with an ankle injury, are in “perfect condition.” However, he refused to reveal his starting lineup, opting to keep his opponents guessing.

When asked about managing his talented squad, De la Fuente downplayed any potential selection headaches. “This is a squad of great players and we're managing it like any other team,” he said. ”There are three great players who have to be left out... Everyone takes it naturally and with camaraderie.”