Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has expressed “blind” faith in his squad ahead of their clash with Austria, insisting the group’s internal demands for excellence far outweigh external expectations.
Spain face a pivotal Round of 32 showdown against Austria in the World Cup this Thursday. While ‘La Roja’ enter the tie as favourites, their performances in the tournament so far suggest a stern test awaits.
“We are our own harshest critics. We are on a journey of adaptation and progress, and we are currently on that path. We are already seeing improvements in specific phases of play. I am pleased with what I have seen, but there is no margin for error,” Luis de la Fuente told the press.
The manager maintains unwavering belief in his players: “With every passing day, my faith in this team grows. To me, they are the best in the world. This tournament is incredibly competitive; there haven’t been as many shocks as some might believe. I remain realistic and demanding, but also increasingly optimistic.”
“We don’t live in a fantasy world, and that applies to football too. Every side has their weapons. Whoever masters every scenario will be the one closest to victory. Our internal standards are far higher than those set from the outside. We are fierce competitors, but it becomes more difficult when you face a top-tier opponent,” he added.
The coach also discussed his midfield options, specifically Pedri and Rodri: “I see them performing very well, improving and growing. Every day they play with more confidence and authority. We shouldn’t forget Fabian or Zubimendi… they have all been excellent. Whoever plays, it is the right choice because they are such high-quality players.”
“I expect a very aggressive Austria. It will be a game defined by individual duels, both attacking and defensive. If they sit deep, we must move the ball with pace and find that clinical edge in tight spaces,” De la Fuente explained.