Spain coach Luis de la Fuente faces a key second early in his reign when his facet takes on Italy within the Nations League semi-final on Thursday in Enschede.
The 61-year-old was a shock appointment in December instead of Luis Enrique after Spain crashed out of the World Cup in opposition to Morocco within the final 16.
An unconvincing win over a Norway facet with out striker Erling Haaland, regardless of the emphatic 3-0 scoreline, and a 2-0 defeat in Scotland in his first two matches in March drew robust criticism in Spain.
Some experiences have even prompt his future could possibly be on the road if the crew falls brief within the Nations League closing 4 within the Netherlands.
De la Fuente needs Spain to play in a broadly comparable style to Luis Enrique’s possession sport, which bordered on the dogmatic, albeit with extra functionality to go direct when required.
While supporters and media are uncertain about De la Fuente, his gamers stood up for him earlier this week.
“The coach is working very well, with enthusiasm and hope, and that’s the most important thing,” mentioned defender Jesus Navas.
“I’d highlight the energy, the work and the unity, it’s very exciting. He’s with us in every moment, helping us.”
The veteran defender was known as up after almost three years away from the nationwide crew.
One of De la Fuente’s early strikes was to inform centre-back Sergio Ramos that he was not wanted, frightening the previous Real Madrid participant to complain he was being unfairly discarded due to his age.
However, De la Fuente mentioned he was selecting the gamers he thought would finest serve the crew and the 37-year-old Sevilla defender’s choice represents that.
‘Good motivator’
Goalkeeper Unai Simon additionally backed De la Fuente, who coached him at youth stage.
“He’s a very good coach, a good motivator, he doesn’t get annoyed or lose the plot, he’s a very good manager,” mentioned the Athletic Bilbao participant.
“For me, he’s grown a lot. In the (Olympic) Games, he showed his capacity to (coach) Spain.
“What I’ve seen of what he transmits, and the tools that he gives us are the right ones to face this competition, he has all my confidence.”
Simon identified that De la Fuente’s predecessor, Luis Enrique, who received the treble with Barcelona in 2015, was additionally criticised.
“The figure of the coach has always been debated, with Luis Enrique you also debated him,” continued the goalkeeper.
“We’re not thinking about what happened in Glasgow, we’re thinking about the semi-final. What happened won’t weigh us down, it will serve us as learning.”
With Champions League closing goalscorer Rodri and his Manchester City team-mate Aymeric Laporte spending the beginning of the week celebrating their European triumph, new “signing” Robin Le Normand could earn his debut.
France-born Real Sociedad defender Le Normand obtained Spanish nationality in May and was known as up for the ultimate 4, which represents an opportunity for La Roja to finish a decade-long trophy drought.
Spain’s final worldwide success got here in 2012 with European Championship triumph, secured with a 4-0 romp over Italy, who received the 2020 version.
Paris Saint-Germain left-back Juan Bernat pulled out of the squad injured and was changed by new Real Madrid signing Fran Garcia on Monday.
Dani Olmo can also be a doubt for the conflict with Italy, however De la Fuente has not changed him, hopeful the ahead will probably be match for a potential closing in opposition to hosts the Netherlands or Croatia.
That Sunday showpiece in Rotterdam is the goal for De la Fuente and his crew and failing to succeed in it could be an additional strike in opposition to his fledgling profession on the high stage.
