“With Ansu, Pedri and Gavi you have to be careful”

Gines Melendezmany of the lower categories of the Spanish Federation, were signed Louis of Source in 2013. The man from La Rioja arrived temporarily for three years and on Sunday he won his first title as a senior coach. Ginés’ last job before leaving the RFEF in December 2018 was to suggest months to De La Fuente as U21 coach.

How did Ginés feel on Sunday when he saw Luis de La Fuente lift the title with the senior team?

An absolute joy and happiness, for the people, the players, for the Federation that has been my home for almost twenty years, and for the coach with all his work team: technicians, kit men, doctors, etc. . I know very well What it feels like to be there in those moments?

Ten years have passed since De La Fuente joined the RFEF under your wing, how do you remember it?

Well, it was a bit shy at first because he had to learn everything from us. Here nothing is taught, you know what the Spanish Football Federation is and represents. At least all the group work, the lists, the calling with a formula to keep the bands balanced. In addition, the schedules, the classes… In other words, I also learned this from the great Iñaki Sáez who knew me as his student that I entered in 1987 and later brought me to the Federation for my work in the youth of Albacete for 18 years in the youth academy. . Come, master…

What qualities did you see then to include Luis as a coach of the young generation of players?

I don’t know him, but since I want to transfer Santi Denia to the Sub19 and in principle we only brought him for three months, I talked to some coaches to include the Federation. Among them are Fernando Morientes and several others. I also collect information from Iñaki Sáez, who had Luis de la Fuente as a player, and also from my great friend in Sevilla, Pablo Blanco, because he also trains there. The references were good so I brought him.

You always trusted him. And as they say, both for good and for bad

Yes, because especially in 2014 they eliminated us for the Eurocup, it was a stick. I continued to trust Luis and in 2015 we were champions in Greece with a great generation with Asensio, Vallejo, Mere, Merino, Mayoral, Pedraza etc… He made a great team. Even in 2016 and 2017 we were not lucky. And even though Luis was discouraged, I supported him.

Next important step in the history of Luis de la Fuente. Summer 2018. You advised Rubiales to promote De la Fuente to Sub21 after Celades left

Of course, I was responsible for the lower categories of the Federation and I was until October 23 of that year when they appointed me international advisor. So that summer I promoted Santi to Sub19 and Luis de la Fuente to Sub21

And the following year he won the European Sub21

Six months after I left, he won the U21 European Championship in Italy, where I went as a technical observer for UEFA and where I gave Fabian the trophy as the best player of the tournament.

He won the tournament with a generation of players that Luis knew well

Yes, of course, their successes have all been with a large part of this generation that in 2015 was proclaimed the European champion in Greece. In addition, the incorporated veteran gives the team something special

Do you understand the criticism that appeared on Luis de la Fuente in just two games in charge of the team?

In Spain we are like that. They hit Iñaki Sáez, Luis Aragonés, Vicente del Bosque, Julen Lopetegui, Fernando Hierro and Luis Enrique from all sides. We are 47 million coaches in Spain and for one thing or another, we end up receiving so many blows for no reason. But that’s how football really is

What virtues do you have as a coach?

A fundamental. He knows what he has and above all he knows the Spanish Federation. You know how to move home properly and that is important. I hope he doesn’t listen to anyone and neither does he. I have never imposed a player or lineup on any of my coaches. Hopefully they will follow those principles that have given us so much success over the years.

He seems very strong mentally…

It’s from Rioja, like good wine and good food

Do you see him leading this team for a long time? Now it has a Eurocopa classification

I think if they let him work, now it will be easier for him after the title, we will be able to go to the Eurocup in Germany with these players that he currently has and most of them know very well, and some of them. the U21s coming on strong

You know this generation perfectly because you have it all. Tell me about them, first about MVP Rodrigo Hernández

I did not train Rodrigo in the lower ranks because in 2011, after winning the U19 European Championship in Romania, President Ángel María Villar, in agreement with the person in charge of the lower ranks of the RFEF at the time, Maximino Martínez, decided that he is the coordinator of all the selection categories. They named me top manager and director of the national coaching school. And I had to stop training. Anyway, I know him, he’s a fantastic player and Luis de la Fuente owes him a lot

And what about Joselu and his move to Real Madrid?

We also have him in the U19 team. Now you have a great opportunity

Ansu Fati smiled again at the selection

You should be careful with these kids. Pedri, Gavi, Ansu… You have to know how to time them. I hope no one falls with a major injury

Which player of this generation do you think is the most unbalanced?

The ones I’ve mentioned are all very good, each in their own style, but I’ve always had a crush on Marco Asensio. I met him when he was young. Amazing! With him on the pitch after 60 minutes you can always win a game. That’s your specialty

How important the passing of seniority is for Jordi Alba and Jesús Navas

Jordi Alba debuted with me and I have a special appreciation for him. I love him very much. He is a born competitor, dedicated, a winner, a great among the greats. We have Jesús Navas in the Sub21 but the passage of time has improved him. carrying many things

Do you think we can get excited about this generation of footballers?

God willing that it be so and let’s get lucky. This is my greatest wish