Spain‘s De La Fuente Declares Ambition: “We want to Continue Being Frist in the World”
Istanbul, Turkey - Spain’s national football team manager, Luis de la Fuente, emphatically stated his squad’s continued pursuit of victory ahead of their crucial match against Turkey, dismissing any notion of complacency despite already securing a near-certain place in the 2026 World Cup. “We want to continue winning and competing,” De la Fuente affirmed during a pre-match press conference,”and achieve that 31st consecutive undefeated match.”
The upcoming fixture carries notable weight beyond World Cup qualification, as Spain stands on the precipice of history - one win away from equaling Italy’s record for the longest unbeaten streak in official matches.While a highly improbable seven-goal victory for Turkey would deny Spain automatic qualification for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, De la Fuente’s focus remains firmly on maintaining the team’s winning momentum and solidifying their position as a global footballing power.
De la Fuente attributed Spain’s success to a cohesive system built on consistent work across both club and national levels. “The secret is a vrey well-executed job in Spanish football,” he explained, highlighting a “recognizable idea and a consolidated style of play that we are improving.” He also emphasized the importance of investment in player growth and a deep understanding of the team’s capabilities.
The coach confirmed his intention to field a strong starting lineup, emphasizing that every player is vying for a place and deserving of prospect. “There will be no gifts,” De la Fuente stated.”Everyone has to earn it. They all want to play and they have all earned it and deserved it.They all have the quality to play.”
When questioned about being considered the world’s best coach, De la Fuente deflected the praise, stating, “It is an honor and a pride that the selection is talked about,” and advocating for a focus on collective achievement rather than individual accolades.He underscored the importance of respecting their opponents, stating that the team will deploy its ”best” players to secure the win.