Luis de la Fuente has highlighted the importance of building a united Spain dressing room, while revealing which players he would choose as holiday companions, business partners and future flatmates.
The Spain manager said solidarity, commitment and a strong team spirit were essential qualities for any side hoping to compete at the highest level.
In an interview with El Mundo, whose main comments were published by Sport, de la Fuente also spoke warmly about several members of his squad, including Marc Cucurella, Rodri, Mikel Oyarzabal, Mikel Merino and Marcos Llorente.
Asked about Cucurella’s tattoo featuring the manager’s face, de la Fuente said: “Cucurella’s tattoo with my face? He kept his word, and that is also a principle and a very important value. He is a man who keeps his promises.”
The Spain boss was then asked a series of questions about the personalities within his squad.
When asked which player he would choose to spend a week on holiday with, de la Fuente settled quickly on Cucurella.
“If I want to have fun, I will go with Cucurella,” he said.
He selected the Chelsea full-back again when asked which player he would take out to celebrate and stay up late.
“Since I am going on holiday with him, I will take him with me as well,” de la Fuente added with a laugh.
The answers offered an insight into the close relationship the manager believes is important within the Spain squad. His comments centred not only on technical ability, but also on the players’ character, reliability and willingness to support one another.
De la Fuente said he would leave his house keys with Mikel Oyarzabal, another indication of the trust he places in the Real Sociedad forward.
He also said he would enter a business project with Mikel Merino, describing him as “extremely serious” and someone with a strong sense of responsibility.
For a concert outing, meanwhile, de la Fuente chose Marcos Llorente. He said he would attend a performance by singer Julio Iglesias alongside the Atletico de Madrid player.
The manager was also asked which members of the Spain squad could become coaches in the future. He identified three players who, in his view, already possess the necessary qualities for a career in management.
“Rodri, Mikel Oyarzabal and Mikel Merino have good qualities to become coaches,” said de la Fuente.
His remarks presented a picture of a group built on personal trust as well as footballing ability. Alongside his praise for Cucurella’s loyalty, de la Fuente’s choices underlined the different qualities he values in his players: companionship, dependability, responsibility and leadership.
