Luis de la Fuente claims under-fire striker Alvaro Morata would be a “legend” in every country bar Spain and backed his captain’s demand for greater recognition.
Morata went on the attack prior to the Euro 2024 semi-final win over France, claiming “in Spain, there’s no respect for anything or anyone”.
The striker also said he was happier living abroad after spells in England and Italy – and is reported to be close to a move from Atletico Madrid to Milan.
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Morata’s outburst has not gone down well with the Spanish media but La Roja boss De la Fuente says the 31-year-old is right to feel under-appreciated.
He said: “It reinforces the theory that in Spain, it is unfortunately difficult for us to recognise the quality we have.
“Morata is a clear example. He has elite numbers worldwide – the fourth highest-scorer in Spain’s history and has won titles at all levels with top-level clubs. This player would be a legend in another country with prestige and recognition.
“His claim seemed very fair to me and I am 100 per cent with him. He has not created any conflict inside the group and he has the support of all his colleagues. They understand him and don’t like the attitude towards him from a certain section of the press.”
💪🏼 ¡¡Un 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼 más cerca de la final!!
La espera hasta el domingo se está haciendo larga, pero seguro que merecerá mucho la pena 🥰.#VamosEspaña | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/YynQOL69lQ
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) July 12, 2024
Morata believed to be fit to face England
Morata is expected to be fit for Sunday’s final against England after showing no lingering effects from a clash with a steward following the France game. The former Chelsea and Juventus man was caught around the knee after the steward fell into him while trying to apprehend a selfie hunter.
Having his number nine available is a boost for De La Fuente in a final in which Spain may have to adopt a different style against an England team that will likely have the physical edge.
He added: “We have played different teams that have different styles.
“We have lived up to the task and adapted. We are a team that wants to impose its style but also have the versatility when we don’t have the ball to adapt.
“From long spells of possession to quick transitions and being sharp in attack.”
Yamal compared to world greats
Much of Spain’s attacking threat will come from wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, the 16-year-old who has taken the tournament by storm.
The Barcelona winger has already been compared to the likes of Pele, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi but De La Fuente says patience is required.
“Surely, if we go back to that age of Maradona, [Johan] Cruyff, Pele or Messi, they would live in a similar situation,” he said.
“I don’t want to put pressure on him to be a future player of this level or profile. He can do it but what you have to be is calm and not put any pressure on it.
“In addition to being a coach, you have to train young people. He has to be educated. It is our responsibility to direct his football but also to teach him emotional and personal intelligence. That will also help him become a better footballer.
“But it is fragile and it will happen that those who say today he is the best in the world will be the ones who say he is finished or not the player he seemed. We have experienced it.”
