Spain manager Luis de la Fuente – ‘Alvaro Morata was a great captain’

Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente was satisfied with his team on Monday evening, despite giving up the lead twice against Switzerland. Running out 3-2 winners thanks to a Bryan Zaragoza penalty, La Roja finished as the top seed in the Nations League for the quarter-finals.

After the match, de la Fuente was happy for the young players who had come into the squad, with Samu Omorodion, Aitor Paredes and Pablo Barrios all making their debuts. Meanwhile, Oscar Mingueza and Marc Casado made their first starts.

“I repeat: we have a good present and a bright future. These players just need opportunities and this makes us stronger. They are insatiable and inexhaustible and this competition ensures that they bring out their best version.”

Despite their shaky moments at the back, De la Fuente was pleased with their efforts.

“We are happy. Football is like that, we know how competitive it is and we have to value beating a powerful team like Switzerland. We have put the scoreboard right and that is a good sign,” he told Diario AS.

“I am proud to be Spanish and to have the fans we had in the Canary Islands. I am also passionate about the players, who are insatiable, want to grow and exemplify competition and being teammates. It is an honor to lead this national team.”

De la Fuente was keen to play the quarter-finals and last four in Spain if at all possible, noting that he was proud to be Spanish. He also appreciated Alvaro Morata's gesture with Pedri during the match. The AC Milan striker won a penalty in the first half 0-0 and would take the penalty. However, after the crowd sang for Pedri, from Tenerife, he handed the ball to the Barcelona midfielder.

“Morata has been a great captain, it was a very nice detail. He had the chance to score the penalty and equal Torres as Spain's third top scorer and he preferred to give the shot to Pedri because he was playing at home.”

Fortunately for Pedri, who saw his attempt saved by Yvon Mvogo, Yeremy Pino found the net in the same action. La Roja had not played in the Canary Islands for 28 years and Pino became the first ever player from the islands to score on them.

De la Fuente was also pleased with the contribution of Casado, who came into the middle of the pitch with both Rodri Hernandez and Martin Zubimendi missing. Still, he showed that he is no slouch.

“Casado is great news for Spanish football. He plays like a veteran and makes the team play. He has been a discovery. In Spain there are great players, the best in the world.”