"We are also victims of the schedule" - De la Fuente joins calendar complaints

The Spanish national team, radiant champions of the European Championship, began the Nations League group stage with a goalless draw against Serbia. In the second match of this international break, Luis de la Fuente's squad will take to the pitch at the Geneva Stadium to face Switzerland in another match in which his side are favourites. To analyse the match, he spoke to the media at a press conference.

Asked about the state of the pitch, which has revealed several imperfections, he said: "It looks like the pitch has some kind of disease and it's affected it a lot. We have been told that it is better than it was a few weeks ago. We have to adapt, there is nothing else we can do. Lamine Yamal? It's lucky to have a player of that level and to have him playing so many games at that age in the national team,’ he praised afterwards.

Regarding the possibility of Rodri Hernandez returning to the starting line-up or, at least, playing minutes, he replied: "We always prioritise the player's health. He is perfectly trained and, at some point, he will have to start playing. If it's his turn tomorrow, he'll play if that's what we consider. Like Oyarzabal, regardless of the club, they are all important to us". On David Raya, he boasted: "He's a great goalkeeper".

Asked about the overloaded schedule the players face, he replied: "I don't feel any pressure. With the national team, they also have to play. This is something between clubs and UEFA. We comply with what the calendar establishes. We do what we have to do: represent your country. All the players want to come to the national team and all the clubs want them to be there. We are also victims of the calendar.

 

September 7, 2024