Luis de la Fuente described the final of Spain Nations League against Portugal as a “blessing” while preparing for Cristiano Ronaldo in the Allianz Arena on Sunday.
Spain booked their place in the showpiece competition with a fascinating 5-4 victory over France on Thursday, while Barcelona Wonderkid Lamine Yamal scored twice.
The De la Fuente team now focuses their attention on reaching a third major trophy in three years, after he won the Nations League in 2023 and the European Championships in 2024.
But standing in the way Portugal, who came from a goal to beat Germany in the semi -final, where Ronaldo scored the winner after the opener of Florian Wirtz was canceled by the stunner of Francisco Conukicao.
Indeed, Ronaldo yielded his 137th international goal on Wednesday and De La Fuente only had praise for Portugal's 40-year-old faithful.
“It is a blessing to face Portugal and a football player who has formed an era and an inheritance,” said De la Fuente.
“I often use Cristiano Ronaldo as an example for my players and to express my admiration for him. He is a role model for everyone, young and old.”
Earlier on Saturday, Ronaldo confirmed that he would not participate in the upcoming Club World Cup after the expiry of his contract with Al-Nassr, after he was linked to a switch to various participating clubs.
This chapter is over. The story? Still written. Grateful for everyone. pic.twitter.com/vuvl5sieb3
– Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) 26 May 2025
De la Fuente also praised one of his own players, praising Barcelona's Pedri for his impressive displays for Hansi Flick's side this season.
Pedri delivered his very first competitive goal for Spain in their 5-4 victory over France, with that after helping Barca to a domestic Treble in 2024-25.
The Spaniard played in 59 of Barca's 60 games in all competitions-the highest total in one season of his Blaugrana career and the most player in Flick's Squad.
In Laliga, only Pau Cubarsi (2,426) completed more successful steps than Pedri (2,379) for Barca, which further emphasized its significance for their success.
Prior to the confrontation with Portugal, De la Fuente outlined how Pedri's game has evolved, with the 22-year-old now a guaranteed starter for Spain.
“Pedri has a special talent, like a number eight or as a number 10,” said De La Fuente.
“I would like him to play closer to the opposition box, because goals are scored closer to the box. The key are also the steps you make there.
“He contributes a lot to us. Because he can make the last passes, he completes patterns of play and he has improved a lot with his shooting.”