With a message of condolence to the Venezuelan people due to the enormous tragedy they are experiencing due to the earthquake that has hit their country, he began Luis de la Fuente his press conference. Then he focused on the duel against Uruguay in Guadalajara.
The team: “The performance the other day does not invite us to make changes, but I am very happy with what those who came out did and with what I see in training. Whoever comes out will do well. This afternoon we will give a final review, but I already know who is going to play.”
The path: “We need to give our best version. Each round is more difficult. We want to reach the final and improve. The rival is going to be increasingly tougher.”
Uruguay as a thermometer: “”The analyzes that serve us are ours. The first game is always difficult. This match will be a new match. Uruguay has footballers who play in Europe, Brazil… They are very important players who are going to demand the best from us. “They will also have to take a step forward because they have a lot at stake.”
Baena and Valverde: “Baena and Fede are great professionals, but on the field each one defends his own thing. Tomorrow is going to be a very demanding match for everyone. With respect to toughness, football is what it is: it is football. Each one will defend his own thing. It will be a match of great intensity.”
The value of those who do not play: “They are the ones who set the demands and make their teammates better. Those who are playing want to continue doing so. That is fortunate. Everyone is important: whether they come on from the opening minute or from another moment of the game. In the Euro Cup, the most important games were resolved by those who came off the bench.”
Bielsa: “I have to tell you that I am a great admirer of Bielsa. I have followed his career a lot and I spent five or six months watching his training at Athletic. It is an honor to be able to play against him.”
The World Cup: “There is enormous equality. It is very difficult to win. At the national team level the difference is minimal.”
Pedri and Olmo together: “The 26 can’t play. There are only three who play in the middle, but we’ll see… I also liked when Mikel Merino or Fabián came out. They are the best in the world.”
Ode to Oyarzabal: “The 26 are highly motivated. It’s how lucky we are. Everyone is eager to play. We have to maintain our identity and not go off script, that’s our idea. And Mikel Oyarzabal… We’re finally starting to recognize him in Spain, finally, my goodness. Better forwards in space, between the lines… With us he’s played on both wings, as a striker, as a midfielder… And always well. He’s an example for everyone. I’m glad we talk about him.”
First serious test?: “Cape Verde or Arabia have been so tough, like Uruguay. They are all very difficult. Let’s not start thinking about what we are going to say after… It has to be said now. We are just as focused as in the other games.”
The evolution of Bielsa: “Marcelo has evolved, like everyone else. He made Athletic play wonderfully well. He used man-marking all over the field… His approaches involve knowing the players he trains well, that is his greatest virtue.”
Lamine Yamal: “Decisions are made as the game develops. There are games in which you can play fewer minutes or more. We will do what is most important for the team. That is the priority. What we do will be for the benefit of the team. And they understand it that way.”
Eric Garcia: “They are all going to be very important. Eric makes everyone good. His level of demands is exceptional and he is a great person. He is demanding to have that option. And I am sure he will have it.”
Favorites?: “It is a confidence within our possibilities. There are teams as strong as us. With respect and humility, the only important game is the one against Uruguay. We will talk later.”
What is the Lamine Yamal that we don’t see like?: “An 18-year-old boy who is maturing and has a unique, sensational talent. He is called to be a football genius. All of this leads him to be great, but he is in the process of growing and we have to accompany him. That is Lamine.”
Be first: “We think about winning. Nothing more. To get to the final you have to play against everyone. We only think about getting our games forward. I would never approach a game in a stingy way. I only know how to play to win. To win and to be better.”
What Uruguay expects?: “They are extremely talented footballers who combine drive, drive and talent very well. Marcelo has evolved, like everyone else. He made Athletic play wonderfully well. He used man-marking all over the field… His approaches involve knowing the players he trains well, that is his greatest virtue.”
