De la Fuente hits back at critics ahead of Saudi Arabia clash
· Yahoo Sports
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has hit back at critics after his side drew 0-0 with Cape Verde.
The Spanish media have since questioned de la Fuente’s team selection and substitutions, picking Gavi and Ferran Torres as wingers, and only making his first changes in the 71st minute while chasing a goal.
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The performances of key players in the game have also been lambasted, including of Ballon d’Or winner and Manchester City midfielder Rodri, with many suggesting he slows down the team’s play.
Ahead of the second game against Saudi Arabia, de la Fuente hit back, saying: “It seems incredibly insulting to me that people would say that about the best player in the world (Rodri). Would people say that about others who are considered the best in the world? I think they wouldn’t dare.
“But because they’re Spanish, we say things about our own that we wouldn’t about others. Rodri is the best player in the world. Even at 50%, he is better than most other midfielders in the world. He brings clarity, vision, balance. Rodri is an inspiration for us.”
On his squad decisions, the manager said: “In the last Euros [which Spain won in 2024] Dani Olmo came in with an injury. He could have stayed at home. We decided to risk him. Olmo came, he recovered, and he was top scorer. Nobody remembers that now, but I do.”