Spain players on their way to becoming ‘legendary’: coach De la Fuente

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said Friday his squad are on their way to becoming “legendary” like the players that won the country’s first World Cup, in 2010, and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.

De la Fuente led La Roja to Euro 2024 glory last summer and Spain are closing in on qualification for next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Spain visit Georgia on Saturday in a Group E qualifier and could qualify for the World Cup if they win and Turkey fail to beat Georgia in the other match.

“I wish (all the players) could all be eternalised, in the sense that they would remain, that they would stay in everyone’s minds, that they would be a team like the one from 2008, 2010, 2012, which became legendary and that remains forever,” De la Fuente told a news conference.

“I believe this team is on its way to achieving that. I think it has accomplished very important things, and many players have the opportunity to make history and leave a lasting memory in the minds of the fans.

“I believe that is the best reward a professional can achieve.”

Spain have won all four of their qualifying matches so far, scoring 15 goals and not conceding any.

They will be without Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal for their last qualifiers, after releasing him from the squad following “invasive” treatment on a groin injury with his club.

The Spanish football federation Tuesday said they were “surprised and upset” to learn that Yamal had already undergone the procedure and was unavailable for the national team.

De la Fuente tried to calm the situation when asked about Spain’s relations with Barcelona.

“Our relations with all the clubs are marvellous — and everything can be improved. We try to improve in all aspects, but what we need to improve is tomorrow’s performance to win tomorrow against Georgia,” said the coach.

“The best news is all the time in the future that Lamine has with us,” he continued.

“We need to think about the present and the future — the present is about relying on the players we have, wonderful players, trying to win tomorrow… that is our concern.”

As well as Yamal, Nico Williams, Dani Carvajal and Rodri Hernandez are out injured, all key players for De la Fuente.