Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente attended the pre-match press conference for the European Championship final

Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente attended the pre-match press conference for the European Championship final, where La Roja will compete against England for the title. He expressed gratitude to Pedri, Ayoze, and Gavi, who are unable to play due to injuries.



How do you personally feel?
"I am very happy. I only remember the pleasant things and don't have time to accumulate negative emotions. We are very excited to be in the European Championship final; it's one of the most important achievements in the world of sports and football. We are calm and very much looking forward to it. We can't wait to get on the pitch."

Spain's first match in this European Championship was at this stadium (against Croatia)
"At that time, we wondered if we could come back to this stadium. Tomorrow's match is a final, very difficult, and very complex. Both teams are excellent, the best teams, which is why we are in the final. It should be made simple for people to understand that in these matches, details determine the outcome, and the side that makes the fewest mistakes has a better chance of winning. Now, with the final approaching, we are in very good form."

What are your demands on the players?
"Sometimes I feel a bit sorry because I ask so much from them, but tomorrow will be the day I demand the least from them. They have given everything, and I see it in their expressions and their spirit. I will ask them to enjoy the game because they have earned it through a lot of hard work and dedication."

Will you be satisfied regardless of the outcome?
"The future is the present; there is no future. The future is thinking about how to approach tomorrow's game in the best state. Seeing the process we've gone through, I am very proud. This team's achievements have been earned bit by bit, and we have the right to be proud of ourselves. We have the present, and we have the future. It’s great to see the whole country supporting this team."

Do you enjoy being the favorites to win?
"We are very calm; we have never lost our way. We focus on what we can control. We know there are no favorites in tomorrow's game; both sides are evenly matched. Let the bookmakers discuss the favorites. We know that if we don't perform at the level we have shown so far, we won't have a chance to win. But I know we have the ability, and we will work hard."

People only remember the champions
"There are always some great headlines, like 'Finals are to be won,' but I disagree. We are ready to fight for victory, but people's memories are fragile and very unforgiving to the side that loses the final. However, you never forget participating in the final. Of course, we want to win, but I know it's very unfair to the side that doesn't win because there can only be one winner."

What worries you most about tomorrow's match?
"If we can't play to our strengths, we won't have a chance. We strive to do better; we must be recognized and distinguishable by our strengths. We will strive to dominate the game with our style."

Spain has had the most shots on target in this tournament
"This is related to our style and way of playing, but there is an opponent in front of us. Our tendencies are obvious. Tomorrow, we will certainly strive to play to our strengths, but if we can't, it doesn't mean we've changed our mode in just one game. With these players, it's hard for us to abandon this style. We will strive to attack and utilize our strengths. Let's see if we can do it. With the players we have, our idea is to try to enter the opponent's penalty area."

What kind of psychological work have you done for this final?
"I won't tell you; otherwise, there will be no surprises for the players. But the players are very calm and proud to be in the final. Many of our players have played in finals, but few have played in a European Championship final. They say this experience is completely different. No matter what happens next, having a lifelong unforgettable memory is a happy thing, and I ask them to enjoy this moment."

Have you imagined the moment of lifting the trophy?
"Winning the European Championship will hardly change anything for me. I have known my goals very early on, I understand what competition is, and I have always been fighting. I know who I am. But I prefer to see people happy, to see the whole country full of expectations, joy, harmony, and unity. This moves us deeply; we haven't seen such scenes for a long time."

Regarding England
"We know England has great strength. Tomorrow, they might put on their best performance. We must use our weapons to face the match and make fewer mistakes than our opponents. In a single game, even if you are much weaker than your opponent, you still have a chance to win."

Do you have any doubts about the starting lineup?
"Before answering that question, I want to acknowledge the excellent work of Pedri and Ayoze, who will not be able to play for us. I also want to tell you that Gavi will be with us tomorrow; he will be our 27th player. Returning to the previous question, I have complete confidence in all the players. We have ideas for tomorrow's lineup, and the ones who will play are the players we think are most suitable for this match."

Could this team start a new era like Spain did in 2010?
"This generation of players is excellent and has been very successful at the youth level. We want to start creating history, and we have already written a significant chapter in this European Championship. Whether for the players currently in the team or those not here, I am full of confidence. I believe Spanish football has a bright future, but this doesn't mean we will always win. The most important thing is the process."

Personal belief
"Belief is personal and can be passed on. I believe in God; he gives me a lot of security and strength. I am not superstitious; I pray every day, but I don't wear the same clothes as I did on the winning day."

"It’s not difficult. Young players like Lamine have maturity beyond their years and are supported by more experienced teammates. In the national team, we have formed a whole, which makes us stronger. Young players learn from experienced teammates, while the latter feel the energy and joy from the former."

Will you change your style against England?
"We will analyze after the game, but we are convinced that if we got here, it's because we stayed true to our ideas. I must convey confidence to the players and let them believe the process should be this way."