UEFA Nations League: Spain coach says players need to play for national team despite packed calendar

The manager of Spain's national team, Luis de la Fuente, speaks to journalists at a press conference. Photo Credit: AP.

The coach of the Spain national team, Luis de la Fuente, speaks to journalists at a press conference. | Image Source: AP

Athletes should participate in their country's teams even though a packed schedule is worrying for players' well-being, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente mentioned ahead of the Nations League match against Switzerland on Sunday.

The team who won the European championship will play against Switzerland in Geneva. Both teams did not do well in their first games, with Switzerland losing 2-0 to Denmark and Spain ending in a tie with Serbia.

"Tomorrow we'll be facing a strong rival. I believe that during the European Championship, we were the top-performing teams," De la Fuente stated during a press briefing on Saturday.

Tomorrow we are going to witness two top-tier teams facing off in what could be one of the most crucial games in Europe right now. Our goal is to capitalize on our strengths and weaken our rivals.

The Spanish coach was asked about the growing number of matches and how it is impacting the national team.

"Our top priority is the players' well-being, but they are also expected to participate in games with the national team," De la Fuente stated.

The schedule is set by others and we follow it without question. However, we must remember that it is our country and our national team, so we should prioritize it. Every player wants to represent the national team and clubs all want their players to participate in international matches. We are not to blame for the constraints of the calendar, we are simply affected by it.

The coach from Spain stated that he would not be willing to decrease the involvement of players from elite teams in order to preserve their performance for their clubs.

It is our obligation to represent our nation, to showcase the top athletes, and strive to be victorious. We bear a significant burden and must uphold our esteemed reputation. The only way I can fulfill this duty is by selecting the players that I believe are the most skilled.

Moreover, it's important to be just and I wouldn't be just if I showed favoritism to certain individuals based on their affiliation.

This Sunday's game may mark the comeback of midfielder Rodri, who has not appeared for Manchester City since he was substituted at halftime in Spain's victorious match against England in the Euro 2024 final.

"We always make the player's health our top concern. Rodri is in excellent shape and will have to start playing soon, either here or with his club," De la Fuente stated.

"If we know he needs to begin tomorrow, he will do so without any danger. However, in football, anything is possible."