The Royal Spanish Football Federation have confirmed that Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has had his contract extended from 2024 to 2026, encompassing the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the USA.
De la Fuente took over from Luis Enrique after the latter did not have his contract renewed in the aftermath of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Despite a damaging defeat to Scotland at Hampden Park, de la Fuente recovered to lead Spain to the Nations League against Croatia and Italy, before topping their qualifying group. Euro 2024 will be his first major tournament.
“We are happy. We knew it would happen at the right time. Happy that it happened today. Tomorrow we start competing and we believe it is the right time to strengthen the position of the coach and the coaching staff. I approach it with responsibility from the first day,” de la Fuente told Marca, as Spain prepare to take on Andorra in a friendly.
🚨 President Laporta: "I'm optimistic by nature, we are working to get to the 1:1 rule and be able to have more facilities to register new players. We also hope to return to the Spotify Camp Nou this season. We will return at the end of this year." @BarcaOneFCB
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) June 4, 2024
He also had words of encouragement on Barcelona star Pedri, who has been in question for much of the season due to his constant fitness issues.
“I’m going to tell you something intimate. I have to give you good news: ‘Pedri is back.’ I’ve seen him with enthusiasm, work, a desire to show it, energy. But Pedri doesn’t have to show me anything. Our work plan is to arrive in good shape on the 15th or the 20th. Pedri must continue working the same and find himself. It is good news for the national team.”
🚨 Atlético Madrid’s third kit for the 2024/25 season.@Footy_Headlines pic.twitter.com/un24YkxXQv
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) June 4, 2024
Meanwhile he also declared that Alvaro Morata had little to prove to him, after scoring just three times since January.
“Alvaro is an unquestionable player. If I’m not mistaken he is the national Pichichi with Borja Mayoral. He is a player of absolute guarantees. The players have had a very demanding few months. It’s about getting the footballers back. Alvaro needs very personalised training. With Alvaro zero doubts. The streak of footballers begins and ends no one knows when. He is a player who scores a lot of goals and he has always shown it.”
