Luis de la Fuente reveals fitness strategy after Czechia win
Luis de la Fuente explains Spain's rotation policy and player welfare strategy following their 3-1 Nations League victory over Czechia.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Author: NGO wordwide
Following Spain's 3-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Czechia, head coach Luis de la Fuente emphasized the importance of managing his players' physical condition. With goals from Lamine Yamal, Rodri, and Mikel Merino, La Roja maintained their position at the top of Group 3 and extended their remarkable unbeaten run to 41 matches.
De la Fuente admitted that while the second-half substitutions affected the team's attacking sharpness, protecting the squad from fatigue remains his primary objective during a demanding international window. The coach confirmed that he intentionally managed minutes across the board:
None of my players has played three complete matches in this international window.
The manager also highlighted that the experience of enduring tough spells, such as the pressure applied by Czechia, serves as valuable preparation for high-stakes tournament knockout games. He expressed pride in his team's ability to remain focused despite the tactical changes made to rotate the squad.
Spain currently holds a three-point lead over England in Group 3. The staff is now shifting focus toward their upcoming away fixture against Croatia on October 6, where de la Fuente plans to maintain the balance between fresh rotation and competitive performance.