Luis de la Fuente, once a celebrated left-back for Athletic Bilbao, now leads Spain’s national football team on a path that could secure their fourth European Championship title. His journey from distinguished player to transformative coach is characterised by dedication, tactical acumen, and a profound understanding of the game.
Here’s a closer look at the man who has brought Spain close to clinching the Euro title after more than a decade.
A storied playing career
De la Fuente’s playing career, primarily with Athletic Bilbao, was illustrious. He was an integral part of the squad that clinched back-to-back La Liga titles in 1983 and 1984, the latter accompanied by a Copa del Rey victory. Known for his defensive solidity and tactical awareness, he made over 150 top-flight appearances for Bilbao, interspersed with stints at Alaves and Sevilla. His contributions were not limited to club football; he also represented Spain at the U21 level.
Transition to coaching
After hanging up his boots, De la Fuente transitioned into coaching, beginning in the lower tiers of Spanish football. His first significant managerial role came in 2006 with Athletic Bilbao’s reserve team. Although his tenure at Alaves was brief, it laid the foundation for his future endeavours. In 2013, he joined Spain’s national setup, managing various youth teams.
De la Fuente’s work with Spain’s youth teams was nothing short of spectacular. Under his guidance, Spain secured Euro titles at the U19 and U21 levels in 2015 and 2019, respectively. These teams featured future stars like Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, and Dani Olmo. His ability to nurture young talent and instil a winning mentality became his trademark.
One of De la Fuente’s notable achievements was leading Spain to a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The team, featuring talents like Mikel Oyarzabal, Unai Simon, and Pedri, showcased De la Fuente’s strategic brilliance and ability to get the best out of his players. Despite losing to Brazil in the final, Spain’s performance was widely lauded.
Ascension to the top job
In March 2023, following Luis Enrique’s departure after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, De la Fuente took over as Spain’s head coach. His tenure began with a convincing 3-0 win over Norway, setting the tone for a successful Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. Despite an early setback with a loss to Scotland, Spain stormed through the qualifiers, securing their place in the finals with an impressive record of 16 wins, 2 draws, and only two losses. Spain scored 53 goals while conceding just 12 in 20 games.
Performance at Euro 2024
Before Euro 2024, Spain’s prospects of lifting the Henri Delaunay trophy were rarely part of serious discussions. Heavyweights like England, France, Germany, and Portugal dominated the conversation. However, as the group stage concluded and the knockout rounds commenced, Spain, under the guidance of De la Fuente, emerged as a formidable contender.
Spain’s journey through the so-called ‘group of death’ was nothing short of spectacular consisting of teams like Italy, Croatia and Albania. The only team to win all their group matches without conceding a goal, they demonstrated remarkable resilience and tactical sharpness. This performance has revitalised their quest for a record fourth European Championship title.
Spain’s footballing history is rich, with back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012, and a World Cup win in 2010. Despite their legacy, expectations were muted for Euro 2024, especially after a disappointing 2022 World Cup. The transition since De la Fuente replaced Enrique has been smooth yet transformative, shaping Spain into one of the most cohesive sides in the tournament.
Spain’s offensive strategy under De la Fuente emphasises direct play and individual brilliance. Players like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, known for their speed and dribbling, have become crucial. Defensively, Spain have been robust, conceding only three goals across six games. This defensive stability, combined with a more balanced midfield and attack, has made them a formidable unit.
De la Fuente’s transformation of Spanish football has already borne fruit. By steering the team away from the rigid tiki-taka style and embracing a more adaptable, direct approach, he has guided Spain to the finals of Euro 2024. Their impressive qualifying campaign and tactical flexibility culminated in a notable 2-1 victory over France in the semis. As they prepare to face England in the final, De la Fuente’s innovative methods have positioned Spain as a formidable contender for the trophy.
