Spain Confirm Appointment Of De La Fuente As New Manager

De La Fuente has come in as a replacement for Luis Enrique whose contract was not renewed after Spain crashed out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at the hands of Morocco at the round of 16 stage.

The former Athletic Bilbao defender has previously spent time in charge of the Spanish youth sides, leading the u-21 team to European championship glory in 2019 and winning silver with the u-23 side at last year's Olympic games.

De La Fuente will begin his reign with the senior side in March when Spain start qualification for EURO 2024 against Norway.

Speaking at his official presentation, the 61-year-old said: "I was a professional footballer for 15 years."

"I have won titles. I have coached at international level in all age categories except the senior one.

"With all my humility and honesty, if there is someone who knows what the future of Spanish football is, it is me. You know who takes the reins of this team.

"There will be no negotiation about our model. I will try to provide nuances to improve it, interpret its evolution. We will not close our minds to anything."

"I have had a very close relationship with Luis Enrique and I thank him," he added. "We have exchanged messages, and he congratulated me."

"You don't have to analyse anything about the World Cup. Luis Enrique's work has been extraordinary, but you can still miss getting a result.

"I count on the youngsters but I am also a fan of the veterans who have done great things. Sergio Busquets is the living history of football. If Sergio Ramos is in good shape, he can come too."