Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has insisted his charges must stick to being themselves and their identity of football as they gear up to face England in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday.
La Roja have been phenomenal in the competition, notching six successive wins – including the likes of France, hosts Germany and defending champions Italy.
Ahead of their final hurdle to what could be a record fourth European Championship, De la Fuente has urged his side not to sacrifice their attacking mentality, confidence and style.
“If we are not Spain, we have no chance,” De la Fuente said in a press conference.
“We worked hard to be better… We will try to impose ourselves on Sunday by being us.
“There are styles, ways of playing. We will also have a rival in front of us but our tendency is obvious. Tomorrow we will of course try to play to our strengths. But if we can’t do it, it will be due to special circumstances of a game, it won’t mean that the trend has changed.”
Spain have been a force to reckon with — an impressive 108 shots on goal, 37 on target, are proof of how De la Fuente has developed his team into one that no longer thirsts for possession just for the sake of it.
The numbers are the best of the tournament and almost double England’s 66 total attempts and 19 on target.
The final is seemingly expected to be a contrast of different team styles, but De la Fuente does not believe Spain should be regarded as favourites.
“We are calm. We have never lost perspective. We focus on what we control. We know that tomorrow there is no favourite, it is very evenly balanced. We’ll leave the favourites talk to the bookmakers,” De la Fuente added.
“We know that if we are not at the level we have shown so far, we won’t have a chance of winning. But I know that we have it and that we’re going to give it on Sunday.
“I am proud to see the process we have followed to get here. Nobody has given this team anything for free and we have the right to feel very proud. There is a present and a great future. To see a country committed to this national team is a wonderful thing.”
