Spain manager Luis de la Fuente isn’t in the mood for second-guessing. Not from the media. Not from fans. And definitely not about the best player on the planet.
His team’s 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in the opener has drawn sharp criticism back home. Spanish outlets have hammered de la Fuente’s lineup choices — starting Gavi and Ferran Torres out wide, waiting until the 71st minute to make a substitution while needing a goal. And then there’s the stuff about Rodri. Multiple pundits have suggested the Ballon d’Or winner slows down Spain’s attack. That one got under de la Fuente’s skin.
“It seems incredibly insulting to me that people would say that about the best player in the world,” de la Fuente said in his pregame press conference ahead of Spain’s second group match against Saudi Arabia. “Would people say that about others who are considered the best in the world? I think they wouldn’t dare.”
He didn’t stop there. The manager made clear he sees Rodri as indispensable. “Even at 50%, he is better than most other midfielders in the world,” de la Fuente said. “He brings clarity, vision, balance. Rodri is an inspiration for us.”
The comments come at a tense moment for the reigning Euro champions. Spain dominated possession against Cape Verde but rarely carved out clear chances. The final product was missing. And with a Saudi Arabia side that will likely sit deep and counter, the pressure is on to show more in the final third.
Defending his process
De la Fuente also pushed back on the idea that he mismanaged his squad against Cape Verde. He pointed to one of his biggest wins as proof he knows what he’s doing with selection and risk.
“In the last Euros (which Spain won in 2024) Dani Olmo came in with an injury. He could have stayed at home. We decided to risk him,” de la Fuente said. “Olmo came, he recovered, and he was top scorer. Nobody remembers that now, but I do.”
It’s a fair point. Olmo was the breakout star of that tournament. De la Fuente’s willingness to carry an injured player — and integrate him carefully — paid off in a major trophy. But this is now. And Spain’s first-game performance had plenty of people wondering if the magic is still there.
The reality is Spain doesn’t have many easy games left in this group. Cape Verde sat deep and got a point. Saudi Arabia will try the same. If Spain can’t break down those low blocks, the questions will get louder — not quieter.
De la Fuente seems ready for that fight. He just won’t let anyone question Rodri along the way.
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