He is resting on his Albacete native and from there he never stopped watching football. Because this is his true passion. Is about Gines Melendezthe great “culprit” of signing the Luis de la Fuente for RFEF. It arrived at the federative structure in 2001. After reviewing all the categories, he was named coordinator of the lower categories of Spain and director of the national coaching school. In January 2019, he joined the Federation of Armenia after becoming another victim of Luis Rubiales.
How do you feel about this Gines Meléndez selection?
Very positive. The truth is that they play very well and have a lot of confidence in their abilities. I love watching them play. The games are over and you say: it’s over, it’s a shame…
Do you really see the options to win the Euro Cup?
I think so, but you have to be lucky in a match. Hopefully it will be in the next round of 16 and especially in the quarterfinals, because crosses are fundamental and you have to be lucky with them. To become a champion, you need to have a little luck in a match.
And what can you tell me about Luis de la Fuente in this tournament?
All are positive: Noble, simple, friend of his friends and of great virtue, making a great group above the rest.
You know him well Why did you sign him for the RFEF? Because?
Well, I had a vacancy and I had to look for a coach for the under 19 team Then I contacted Fernando Morientes but he was at Real Madrid and he was loyal to his club and could not leave the team in March. I spoke to Iñaki Sáez, the unsung father of Spanish grassroots football and to whom we are indebted. I came first because he was my teacher and then he brought me to the Spanish Football Federation. I also spoke to my friend and former Sevilla player, Pablo Blanco, to find out what Luis de la Fuentes is all about. And the reports they gave me were very good. So I called him and he came. Then in June I offered him to stay with us.
Is it true that it took three months?
Yes, until sub 19. Then he stayed permanently and until now.
Is Luis de la Fuente very different from this coach?
I’m not here now but I can see him acting like before.
And you are the one who advised Rubiales to move up to U21 in 2018.
In 2018 after the World Cup in Russia and after Albert Celades left the U21 when he went to Real Madrid. Then Luis de la Fuente was promoted to the U21 and Santi Denia took his place in the U19.
How would you describe Luis de la Fuente as a coach?
The best thing about it is that it makes a great team of people and the results will come later.
If you had to highlight one thing about the coach, what would it be?
His personality.
How many senior team players have passed through your hands?
A little…
Do you think the criticisms of Álvaro Morata are fair?
Nope. That makes me angry. He doesn’t deserve it. He won the Golden Boot in the youth teams and always showed himself to be 100% involved in the national team. He knows he is with us.
I asked him about some proper names:
Cucurella
It was a great bet from Santi Denia and the whole group
Rodrigo
Luis de la Fuente made him the U19 European champion
Fabian Ruiz
He also took him to the U21 and he was the best player in the 2019 Euro Cup in Italy. I gave him the award for the best player of the tournament.
And Yamine Lamal and Nico Williams
I wasn’t lucky enough to be with them but they are amazing. They will give us a lot of joy.
Do you have any advice for Luis de la Fuente?
Leave him alone. Others will come alone.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
