Spain boss Luis de la Fuente backs busy schedule and trusts Gavi to return

Luis de la Fuente says Spain will prioritise winning their Nations League matches against Czech Republic and England over carefully managing players’ minutes, with the team competing for top spot in the group and a place in the quarter-finals.

During the previous international break, De la Fuente ensured no player exceeded 270 minutes across four matches. This time, however, he does not intend to set such strict limits.

“No player will play more than 180 minutes this time,” he said sarcastically. “Well, perhaps it will be a little more, because matches are lasting longer now.”

De la Fuente added: “These are two decisive matches and we have a lot to play for. Our intention is to use our best players in both games.”

The Spain manager began his news conference by paying tribute to Jesus de Miguel, who has died. He then explained that he always tries to manage the physical workload of his international players while recognising the significance of the fixtures.

“We always try to distribute the minutes among the players as much as possible, but we know we are competing for first place in the group so we can reach the quarter-finals in the best possible condition,” he said.

New faces in Spain squad

The squad announced at the Metropolitano includes several changes, including a first call-up for Jacobo Ramon and the return of Ander Barrenetxea.

De la Fuente praised Ramon’s progress and said: “He is having a wonderful season and we believe the time is right to give him an opportunity and see him.”

Marc Roca has also been called up by Spain for the first time. De la Fuente said the midfielder had earned his chance after winning the European Under-21 Championship and through his current performances.

The coach also explained the decision to select the Real Sociedad winger who replaced Victor Munoz in the squad.

“He is a player with a great future and fits the demands we place on our wide players. At the moment, it is Ander’s turn,” he said.

Spain have named four goalkeepers because David Raya has personal matters in England and may not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday. The additional selection also gives De la Fuente the chance to assess Alvaro Valles, whom Spain have been monitoring for some time.

Rodri’s injury is expected to give Martin Zubimendi greater responsibility. Although he is not receiving the playing time he wants at Arsenal, Zubimendi continues to have the manager’s confidence.

Asked about Alberto Nunez Feijoo’s comments that Spain should withdraw from hosting the 2030 World Cup if it does not stage the final, De la Fuente said: “What I see is that the World Cup final should be played in Spain. My job now is to prepare the best team possible, and those responsible can deal with everything else.”

De la Fuente also described winning the world’s best manager award at the latest Ballon d’Or ceremony as “extraordinarily satisfying”, saying he had already felt fortunate simply to be among the nominees.

He finished by addressing Gavi’s continued absence, with the Barcelona midfielder left out for the second successive squad since the World Cup.

“Gavi always deserves an exception. It is extremely difficult to join this group,” De la Fuente said. “He must continue being himself and keep improving, as everyone else has to do.”