De la Fuente: “Isco? It would also be unfair to have those I have”

Luis de la Fuente This Friday he offered the list of those summoned for the double commitment of Spain facing Euro 2024 against Cyprus (Thursday, 16th) and Georgia (Sunday, 19th), two games where, with La Roja’s qualification assured, the leadership of the group is now at stake.

One of the surprises in the list is the absence of Isco, because Betic is in an extraordinary moment. This was the first question asked of the man from La Rioja, who defended his position: “What do you have to do? It’s very simple. There are times when I feel that I’m unfair. And I’m going to settle the debate. Everyone is ready and they compete, but at the same time I think I’m being fair with the ones I bring. They’re all very good, but we have to choose.”

Laporte and Balde were other notable casualties. “Balde has to keep working,” he said of the Blaugrana. “And Laporte has stitches in his foot and they will be removed next week. We consider it appropriate that he rests,” he added of the Manchester City centre-back. “Do things outside of sports influence people to leave? Making a list is very complicated. You have to look at many things and one of them is that they are good people. The key is the team and a team is formed with supportive and engaged people”.

He has justified Pedri’s absence like this: “I can’t say much about him. He’s not injured, but he’s a player who just came back from a long injury. We count on him for everything. He’s super class,” he said, clarifying that he continues to rely on Barça’s canary.

As for the news, he emphasized the merits of everything. “One of them is that of Aleix Garcia, a Girona player: “Here nothing is given to anyone. He’s got it.” And about Riquelme: “I know him well and he’s had two outstanding campaigns. He shows the potential he has. It has many records. He has amazing talent and condition.” And from Grimaldo: “At Leverkusen they play with a different idea but he is a footballer who can adapt to many roles. Our idea is for him to be a left back.”

Supporter of lists of 26 and not 23

When asked if, regardless of the entrances and exits, the basis of the team will be the same, he said that “the good news is that there is a very formed block and that is good for Spanish football.” De la Fuente wants the lists to be 26 and not 23. “In a FIFA meeting, I am in favor of the lists being 26, it gives you more options. On December 2 there is a meeting in Germany, but right now we don’t know anything else.”

Another of the questions to him was about Brahim, who could also play for Morocco: “First of all is the will of the footballer. I “I know Brahim is happy at the thought of being selected for Spain.”

De la Fuente’s contract expires in June 2024 and his future remains up in the air. Despite the team’s good results, nothing is guaranteed. “I’m where I want to be. Whenever it’s time to negotiate, when it’s time, if both parties agree, everyone’s happy. And if not, nothing happens. The door closes and that’s it. No one is in a hurry.” The chosen player did not want to answer an extra-sports question about the social and political situation in the country. “This is not the forum to discuss this, I think.”